News
US Open Cup: Lionel Messi Scores Penalty As Inter Miami Win Semi-final Shootout
Inter Miami came back from 2-0 down to reach their second final since Lionel Messi joined the MLS side last month.
The Argentina forward, 36, had two assists in a thrilling US Open Cup semi-final at FC Cincinnati, which ended 3-3 after extra time.
It was the first time Messi failed to score for Miami, in his eighth game for the club, but he converted his penalty as they won the shootout 5-4 in Ohio.
Miami also beat Nashville on penalties to win the Leagues Cup on Saturday.
That was the club’s first major honour since being formed as an expansion team in 2020.
They will now make their first appearance in the final of the US Open Cup, America’s oldest and most prestigious knockout football competition, which dates back to 1913.
Miami will host the Houston Dynamo on 27 September after they beat Real Salt Lake 3-1 after extra-time.
Cincinnati were top of the MLS standings when the season was paused for the Leagues Cup in July while Miami were bottom.
But Miami are unbeaten in eight games after signing Messi and his former Barcelona team-mates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
Cincinnati led 2-0 with 22 minutes remaining after goals by Luciano Acosta and Brandon Vazquez before Messi twice crossed for Ecuadorian striker Leonardo Campana to score with headers – the equaliser coming deep into stoppage time.
Josef Martinez put Gerardo Martino’s Miami side in front early in extra time from a Benjamin Cremaschi pass, before Yuya Kubo made it 3-3 on 114 minutes.
With the shootout level at 4-4, Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender saved Nick Hagglund’s penalty before Miami-born Cremaschi, 18, converted the decisive spot-kick.
The renewed agreement reinforces the longstanding partnership between the artist and the label. It positions Chadreek for the next phase of his career with enhanced support across music production, distribution, marketing, and international expansion.
Known for his smooth vocal delivery and consistent output, Chadreek has steadily cultivated a dedicated following through standout records including Ori Mi (featuring Seyi Vibez), Better Dayz, Awure, and his earlier project No Bad Vibe. The renewed deal is expected to accelerate his momentum as he prepares new music and broadens his presence across Africa and global markets.
A source close to the camp confirmed that both parties are fully aligned on a clear vision for the artist’s next chapter, with a strong emphasis on high-quality releases and strategic growth.
This renewal marks another significant milestone in Chadreek’s journey as he continues to establish his place within the Afrobeats landscape.
About Chadreek
Chadreek is a Nigerian singer and songwriter signed to SauceBoi Music. He is recognised for his distinctive voice and a growing catalogue of Afrobeats records that blend melody, emotion, and street energy.
About SauceBoi Music
SauceBoi Music is a UK-based record label committed to developing and promoting talent across the Afrobeats and broader African music scenes.
Josh2Funny’s Album Has Fans Talking — But Should He Stick To Music Or Skits? 😂🎶
Nigerian comedian and content creator Josh2Funny has taken his comedy game into music, and Nigerians are definitely having something to say about it.
The comedian released his 15-track album, “On Behalf of Josh,” on July 10, 2026, but instead of fading away after release, the project has continued to generate conversations on X.
And the big question now is:
Should Josh2Funny continue with music or go back to skits? 😂
Fans have been divided. While some listeners openly criticized the album and told him to return to comedy, others found songs they genuinely enjoyed.
One X user joked:
“Josh2Funny stopped doing skits and started music, Everybody wan chop this music money 😂”
Another simply said:
“This Josh2Funny Album no enter make he just go back skit abeg 😂”
But then came “Lembe.” 🔥
The track caught fire on X and eventually became a trending topic in Nigeria. The #LembeChallenge also gained momentum as creators began jumping on the song.
Josh2Funny later announced ₦1 million for winners of the challenge, giving the song another major push.
And it didn’t stop there.
‘INTERNATIONAL’ FT. ICE PRINCE ALSO TRENDED
On another day, “International” featuring Ice Prince generated its own buzz on X.
One fan even called it their favourite song from the album, while praising the collaboration. The post itself pulled thousands of views, showing that people weren’t only talking about Lembe.
From album criticism to trending songs and challenges, “On Behalf of Josh” has kept Josh2Funny’s name in the conversation.
Whether you love the album or think he should return to skits, one thing is clear:
Josh2Funny has succeeded in getting Nigerians talking. 😂🔥
So, let’s settle this once and for all:
Should Josh2Funny continue with MUSIC 🎶 or return to SKITS 😂?
Music or Skits? Drop your answer! 👇
-
Audio10 years agoPage – Day Break Everywhere Burst
-
Audio5 years agoShadykarz – Forever
-
Audio10 years agoJuniorboy ft. 9ice – IRAPADA
-
Entertainment Gists6 years agoEx-Beauty Queen, Sandra Benede Shares Sexy Photo
-
Audio5 years agoSimi – Happy Birthday ft. Adekunle Gold, DeJa
-
Audio5 years agoRuger – Bounce
-
Mixtapes4 years agoMixtape: DJ DimpleNipple – The Best Of Amapiano Thrills
-
Editorials3 years agoSa’eedah Imam On Creating Her Imprint In The Nigerian Music Industry As An Emerging Creative Writer