Lionel Messi: Star player leads Inter Miami to Leagues Cup quarter-finals with two goals

Inter Miami Secures Dramatic Victory in Leagues Cup

Lionel Messi showcased his brilliance once again as Inter Miami delivered a stunning comeback to defeat FC Dallas and secure their spot in the quarter-finals of the Leagues Cup.

The match seemed to be slipping away from Inter Miami’s grasp, with FC Dallas leading 4-2 with only 10 minutes remaining. However, two late goals turned the tide and forced the game into a nerve-wracking penalty shootout at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

“Being down 4-2 in the 80th minute and then coming back to win, we are extremely pleased with the result,” commented Gerardo Martino, manager of Inter Miami. “But amidst our success tonight, we must acknowledge that there are areas we still need to improve.”

Before Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami, they had gone without a win for an agonizing streak of 11 matches. However, since his arrival, they have experienced an incredible turnaround by securing four consecutive victories.

Messi’s Impact on the Game

In just six minutes into the game against FC Dallas, Lionel Messi established his dominance by unleashing a sensational curling shot from outside the penalty area that found its way into the near post. Nonetheless,
Dallas managed to take control of proceedings and built up a commanding 3-1 lead with a little over an hour played.

Miami’s hopes were reignited when midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi reduced the deficit, but a Robert Taylor own goal quickly restored Dallas’ two-goal advantage.

With only ten minutes left on the clock, Marco Farfan inadvertently headed Lionel Messi’s cross into his own net, granting Miami a lifeline. The Argentine maestro then showcased his magic once again by curling in an exquisite free-kick to level the tie just five minutes later. This incredible display took Messi’s tally to seven goals in merely four appearances for Inter Miami.

The Penalty Shootout Triumph

The match eventually went into a penalty shootout where Lionel Messi initiated Inter Miami’s charge towards victory. Former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets also remained calm and composed as he converted from 12 yards out. Unfortunately for FC Dallas, Paxton Pomykal missed his spot-kick, resulting in their defeat.

A Historic Achievement

Inter Miami has now made history as the first club to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the Leagues Cup since its inception in 2019. This exciting tournament features teams from both United States and Mexico competing against each other in an exhilarating knockout format.