Lionel Messi added another dramatic free kick goal to his Inter Miami highlight reel as his side defeated FC Dallas in the Leagues Cup Round of 16 with a scoreline of 5-3 on penalties after drawing 4-4 after 90 minutes.
This was Messi’s first away game since joining Inter Miami and he didn’t disappoint. The Argentine scored yet another brace to bring his goal tally with Miami up to seven goals in four games.
He has scored three braces in a row.
His second goal on Sunday came in the 85th minute. With his side trailing 4-3, they needed a big moment from Messi. Boy did he deliver.
Messi free kick vs FC Dallas
HE DID IT AGAIN.
LEO MESSI. FREE KICK. EQUALIZER. 4-4. pic.twitter.com/Yh1TXFDENH— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 7, 2023
The goal that saved Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi pic.twitter.com/jbFUwMzZfx— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 7, 2023
The game plan for every defense should be to not give Inter Miami free kicks anywhere within 30 yards of goal.
Messi’s first goal of the game came in the sixth minute with an incredibly cool finish into the bottom corner.
LIONEL MESSI CAN’T
STOP SCORING IN @MLS pic.twitter.com/DjSHUkkgJm— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) August 7, 2023
He also caused havoc in the 80th minute when he swung in a cross from a free kick into Dallas’ box and Marco Farfan headed it into his own net.
Things get even more interesting… Messi whips the free kick in, and it’s an own goal header with power from Marco Farfan to match Taylor’s OG from minutes ago. Game is still in the balance…#DTID 4-3 #InterMiamiCF pic.twitter.com/5yxu5vR5bW
— MLS NETWORK (@mlsnetwork) August 7, 2023
Messi is having fun.
Leagues Cup games go straight to a penalty shootout if still tied after 90 minutes. In the shootout Miami went five for five. Meanwhile Dallas and USMNT midfielder Paxton Pomykal gave USWNT fans PTSD and skied his kick over the bar.
Pomykal es un aficionado de más de Leo Messi JAJAJAJAJAJ. Los cowboys necesitan kicker #Messi #InterMiamiCF #Pomykal #LeaguesCup2023
pic.twitter.com/HiKbjMHWlZ— Doc Sanchez (@rosanchezdec) August 7, 2023
Messi and Miami advance to the Round of 16 where they will meet the winner of Charlotte FC vs. Houston Dynamo. The quarterfinal will be played on Friday, Aug. 11.
Benjamin Cremaschi with the exclamation point❕#InterMiamiCF are moving on in @LeaguesCup. pic.twitter.com/JExaUw49u6
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 7, 2023
