Lionel Messi also led Inter Miami to victory against FC Dallas. The Argentine scored twice in the last 16 of the Leagues Cup.
For the third time in a row, Lionel Messi scored a brace for his new club. The Argentine gave Inter Miami the lead against FC Dallas as early as the 6th minute: After an assist from Jordi Alba, he slid the ball into the bottom left corner with his left foot as he often does.
Dallas needed some time, but turned the game around before the break: Quignon (37.) and Kamungo (45.) scored for the home side, who increased their lead after the break: Velasco (63.) made it 3:1, Cremaschi’s goal for Miami (65.) was followed by an own goal by Taylor (68.).
Messi’s free kick equalises
LIONEL MESSI, OUT OF THIS WORLD @LeaguesCup @MLS pic.twitter.com/hA5G9nltNG
– 433 (@433) August 7, 2023
As a result, Miami trailed 4-2 going into the final period. However, another own goal, this time on the other side by Farfan (80th), brought coach Gerardo Martino’s team back within a goal. Messi then equalised in the 85th minute: just like on his debut for Miami, the world champion scored with a directly converted free kick.
In the penalty shootout that followed, Miami prevailed, with Messi scoring from the spot as did Sergio Busquets, a long-time teammate of Messi’s at FC Barcelona. In the quarter-finals, the Florida team will play the winner of the match between Charlotte FC and Huston Dynamo FC next Saturday.