Head coach Pat Noonan anticipates a great clash as FC Cincinnati host Eastern Conference rivals Inter Miami and Lionel Messi in a US Open Cup semi-final at TQL Stadium.
Last match day, Cincinnati were left with a sour taste in their mouth as in-state foes Columbus Crew scored three goals. But now, Noonan's side will be looking to get back on track with a huge challenge ahead of them in the US Soccer tournament.
"I think it's a great opportunity. You know, obviously, we've seen that nobody's been able to knock them off," Noonan said in an interview to USOpenCup.com.
"It'll be a tough test. There are people out there with opinions about 'do your man mark Busquets and cut off service?' Okay but now other players are free and they can hurt you. Everybody's trying to find solutions to stop a really good team and nobody's been able to do it."
From Noonan's perspective, and probably several other coaches around the league, it's quite difficult when planning on just how to stop - or limit - a player like Messi.
"The reality is, in terms of Messi, not many have been able to do that at the highest level of this game for the last two decades. For us to think we’re just going to have the answer, it's silly. He's still playing at a very high level and fresh off a World Cup title."
The Herons aren't in a desirable position in the Eastern Conference standings, accumulating only 18 points from 22 games played and sit in 15th and last place on the table.
But Miami head coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino and Messi will hope that they can change their fortunes ahead of the 2023 MLS playoffs. Though Noonan acknowledged the incredible work that's already been done with the game's best ever player in south Florida, he still insists Cincy can triumph.
"They hadn't won in 11 league games prior to his arrival. Now they haven't lost a game," said Noonan.
"There's a reason that the best player in the world, or one of the best players in the world, changes the dynamic from professionalism to the on-field quality and everything else."
Noonan and Cincy will host the visiting Herons at TQL Stadium on August 23, with both sides having on eye on the final that takes place on September 27.
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This article was originally published on 90min as FC Cincinnati's Pat Noonan previews US Open Cup clash with Inter Miami and Lionel Messi .
