Lionel Messi’s remarkable start to his US journey continues to dazzle fans as he delivered another scintillating performance, scoring twice to push Inter Miami into the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup in a breathtaking penalty shootout on Sunday.
The 36-year-old maestro showcased his magic early in the match, netting a signature goal with a brilliant curling strike from the edge of the box, assisted by his former Barcelona teammate, Jordi Alba.
However, FC Dallas responded with a stunning barrage of three rapid-fire goals, taking control of an enthralling encounter. With Miami trailing 4-2 and just 10 minutes left on the clock, the odds seemed stacked against them.
But Messi, the 2022 World Cup winner, wasn’t done yet. Displaying his extraordinary talent, he inspired an impressive comeback, first forcing an own goal and then unleashing a sumptuous curling free-kick just outside the penalty area to level the scores at 4-4.
The Argentine’s moment of magic led the match into a tense penalty shootout, with a spot in the quarterfinals hanging in the balance. Once again, Messi demonstrated nerves of steel, calmly slotting home his penalty, while 18-year-old Benjamin Cremaschi held his own, converting his spot-kick to secure a thrilling 5-3 victory for Inter Miami.
Messi’s incredible form since joining the Florida-based club has been nothing short of astounding. With his latest two-goal performance, he has now found the net in each of his last three games and has scored an astounding seven goals in just four matches for the club.
Inter Miami’s head coach, Gerardo Martino, was effusive in his praise, acknowledging the influence of the world’s best player on their success: “It is true that we count on the best player in the world,” he stated, “and you can’t ignore that.”
Next up for Inter Miami in the quarterfinals is a home clash against either Houston Dynamo or Charlotte FC, which promises to be another exciting showdown at DRV PNK Stadium.
The Leagues Cup is a prestigious joint competition organized by the top-tier soccer competitions in the US and Mexico, featuring every club from the top two leagues in North America. The ultimate prize for the tournament winner is direct qualification to the Concacaf Champions League round of 16, a prestigious honor in the world of soccer.
As Messi’s legend continues to grow on American soil, fans eagerly await each match to witness the brilliance of the footballing icon. With his phenomenal performances propelling Inter Miami forward, dreams of lifting the Leagues Cup trophy are becoming more tangible by the day.”
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