Lionel Messi continued his incredible form in the Leagues Cup, scoring two goals and assisting on another to lead Inter Miami to a 4-4 draw with FC Dallas in regulation and a 5-3 win on penalties in the Round of 16 on Wednesday night.
Messi opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a free kick that curled into the top corner of the net. He then assisted on Julián Carranza’s goal in the 25th minute to give Inter Miami a 2-0 lead.
Dallas pulled one back in the 37th minute through Facundo Quignon, and Bernard Kamungo equalized in the 45th minute. Alan Velasco gave Dallas the lead in the 63rd minute, but Leonardo Campana equalized for Inter Miami in the 77th minute.
The match went to extra time, and Inter Miami took the lead again in the 90th minute through an own goal by Robert Taylor. However, Dallas equalized again in the 105th minute through Marco Farfán.
In the penalty shootout, Messi scored Inter Miami’s first penalty, and Paxton Pomykal was the only player to miss his penalty for Dallas. Inter Miami converted all of their other penalties to advance to the quarterfinals.
Messi’s performance was simply stunning. He scored two great goals, was involved in all four of Inter Miami’s goals, and created several other chances for his teammates. He was simply unplayable at times, and his performance was a reminder of why he is considered one of the greatest players of all time.
Messi’s performance was also a boost for Inter Miami, which is still in its first season in MLS. The team has struggled this season, but Messi’s arrival has given them a much-needed boost.
Inter Miami will face Club América in the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup. The match will be played on August 10 at 8:00 p.m. ET at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
