Messi’s brace guides Inter Miami to dramatic Leagues Cup victory

Lionel Messi’s remarkable double strike propelled Inter Miami to a thrilling victory over FC Dallas, securing their place in the quarter-finals of the Leagues Cup on Sunday.

FC Dallas held a 4-2 advantage with just 10 minutes remaining, yet two late goals orchestrated a remarkable comeback, ultimately leading to a tense penalty shootout.

In the shootout at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, Inter Miami emerged victorious with a 5-3 scoreline.

Inter Miami, formerly winless in 11 matches before Messi’s arrival, have now clinched four consecutive wins. The Argentine maestro opened the scoring within six minutes, executing a superb curling shot from outside the penalty area. However, FC Dallas surged ahead with a 3-1 lead.

Amid the challenge, midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi’s effort reduced the deficit for Miami, only for a Robert Taylor own goal to extend Dallas’ advantage. In a thrilling turnaround, Miami found hope when Marco Farfan inadvertently headed a Messi cross into his own net, followed by Messi’s sensational free-kick equaliser in the 85th minute.

Messi’s impact extended to the penalty shootout, where he confidently converted his spot-kick. Former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets mirrored Messi’s success, while a missed penalty by Paxton Pomykal for Dallas proved costly.