Lionel Messi’s brace helps Inter Miami earn a win over FC Dallas.
Another stunning Messi performance as his side marches on into the quarter-finals of the league cup.
Messi scored on two occasions to help his team earn a draw in a thrilling 4-4 contest. Further on winning the game in a penalty shootout. The fourth chapter in Messi’s Inter Miami history was indeed challenging and thrilling. Just like the first two games the Argentine managed to score in the early minutes of the game.
Courtesy of Jordi Alba who whipped in a cross and was converted by the Argentine from outside the box. The link-up that we all had been waiting for. From the setup to the goal is something all the Blaugranas miss.
On the other hand, it was Dallas who was in the lead at halftime, thanks to goals from Facundo Quignon and Bernard Kamungo. A brilliant left-foot finish by Quignon and an individual piece of skill by Kamungo made it 2-1 for the hosts.
FC Dallas changed the course of the game in the 63rd minute, as Alan Velasco made it 3-1. With one leg in the quarter-finals, the hosts were looking strong.
However, Inter Miami took only two minutes to get one back. As the substitute, 18-year-old Benjamin Cremaschi slotted one in to give some hope to Messi’s men. Yet another twist was witnessed minutes later as Robert Taylor slotted one in his own net.
In the 80th minute, Dallas scored an own goal. On a free kick from outside the left corner of the penalty box, Marco Farfan headed into his own net after a cross from Messi.
The score was 4-3, still in the host’s favour. But Lionel Messi stepped up once again as he struck a freekick goal in the 85th minute. We have seen it time and time again, this is what he does best. A 4-4 thriller was then eventually decided on penalties.
In the end, Inter Miami successfully converted all five of their penalty kicks, resulting in a 5-3 victory over their opponents in the penalty shootout.
