Inter Miami beat FC Dallas on penalties to reach the quarter-finals of the Leagues Cup with Lionel Messi scoring a brace, including yet another free-kick, to inspire his team to victory
Lionel Messi dragged Inter Miami from the brink of Leagues Cup elimination with a sensational individual performance, and brace, to keep David Beckham’s trophy dream alive and reach the quarter-finals.
After a fairytale start to life in the United States for the Argentine, it seemed his honeymoon period was coming to an end with Miami 4-2 down to Dallas at one point on Sunday evening at the Toyota Stadium. But playing a role in all four of Miami’s goals, including another jaw-dropping free-kick and scoring a penalty in the shootout, Messi proved once again why he is the best player on the planet.
Messi started the game alongside fellow summer recruits Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. And it was through the former Barcelona full-back that Messi opened the scoring, running on to Alba’s pass to produce a superb, low strike into the bottom corner.
Despite a dominant half for the visitors, Dallas levelled the contest in the 43rd minute through Facundo Quignon. And moments later Dallas found themselves ahead at the break after Bernard Kumungo made it 2-1. The Texas team extended their lead in the second half through Alan Velasco to put themselves into a truly commanding position. But that didn’t stop Messi.