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Joe Burrow and his Bengal teammates were on hand to watch FC Cincinnati take on Lionel Messi's Inter Miami in the US Open Cup. As the hometown football team's star players, they were enthusiastically greeted by the Cincinnati faithful.
They were on hand for the ceremonial drawing of the sword before the game and were feted with the Cincinnati Bengals chant, "Who Dey".
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Apart from the quarterback, others in attendance were Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, Sam Hubbard and DJ Reader.
Lionel Messi extinguishes hope for FC Cincinnati as star Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow looks on
Despite Joe Burrow present in the stadium, Lionel Messi made it clear that it be known that there's a new star in the country. Fresh after leading Inter Miami to a Leagues Cup win, he was back on the stage as the Herons looked to make yet another final.
In the MLS, FC Cincinnati leads the Eastern Conference, while Inter Miami props up the bottom. However, that equation does not involve the recent acquisition of Lionel Messi.
He did not score on the night but played a part in two assists. One of them came in the last minute of regulation time, which made in 2-2 and forced extra time.
The Inter Miami stalwart also scored a penalty in the shootout after the game hd ended 3-3 after extra time as the Herons reached the final of the US Open Cup.
Joe Burrow would have looked on helplessly as he saw yet another Cincinnati team fall at the penultimate hurdle, just like the Bengals had lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship last year. He would also be left to observe the fact that Lionel Messi essentially played the quarterback role in the soccer game by not scoring the goals himself but rather by dictating the game.
It's heartbreak again for the city of Cincinnati as it remains so close but so far. However, with the new NFL season beginning in a few weeks, the Bengals have the chance to put the record right and bring pride back to the region. They have made the Super Bowl and the AFC Championship in the last two seasons but not been able to take the final step.
It will now be up to Joe Burrow and his teammates to make the final leap and bring a trophy back to Cincinnati.
