Highlights:
- Inter Miami secured the win against FC Dallas through a penalty shoot-out.
- Messi’s impact was evident with his two goals during the match.
- The game between Inter Miami and FC Dallas ended in a thrilling 4-4 tie in regulation time.
In an electrifying Leagues Cup encounter, Lionel Messi guided Inter Miami to the quarterfinals with a pair of goals in a penalty shootout against FC Dallas. The thrilling match unfolded in Frisco, Texas, culminating in a 4-4 deadlock at the end of regular play, where Inter Miami impressively rallied from two-goal deficits on two occasions.
Messi, who joined Inter Miami last month after a winless streak of 11 league games, has made a significant impact on the team. He not only scored twice but also assisted Benjamin Cremaschi’s goal. All four of Messi’s appearances for Inter Miami have been in the Leagues Cup, a tournament that features all MLS and Liga MX teams. The regular season will resume in a fortnight.
HE DID IT AGAIN. ?
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 7, 2023
LEO MESSI. FREE KICK. EQUALIZER. 4-4. pic.twitter.com/Yh1TXFDENH
Miami won 5-4 after the shootout, with Cremaschi scoring the game-winning goal. The outcome of the game between Charlotte FC and Houston Dynamo is now being awaited.
Despite having leads of 3-1 and 4-2 at different times during the game, FC Dallas was unable to maintain their advantage. Facundo Quignon, Bernard Kamungo, and Alan Velasco all scored goals, but they weren’t enough to win the game. Dallas’ second penalty attempt was sent over the crossbar by Paxton Pomykal.
Also Read: 10 Best Football Tournaments Which Bring Everyone On The Edge Of Their Seats
As early as the sixth minute, Messi gave Miami the lead with a left-footed finish from the edge of the penalty box, displaying the impact on the game. Josef Martinez, a striker, was initially adjudged to be offside, but the decision was reversed after a video review.
Miami fought back into the game after Dallas had a 4-2 lead with an own goal and a fantastic Messi free kick. Similar to Messi’s first goal for the Herons, which he scored off a dead ball to secure a 2-1 victory over Cruz Azul during the tournament’s group stage, this was also scored for the Herons.
