Uche
Lionel Messi’s fourth match at Inter Miami CF went much like the previous three: with magnificent golazos from the No. 10.
The Argentine superstar netted his third straight brace and scored in his fourth consecutive game as Miami progressed to the League Cup quarterfinals with a 5-3 penalty-shootout victory against FC Dallas after a chaotic 4-4 tie in regulation time.
The Messi show began early at Toyota Stadium, with the 2022 World Cup winner putting the visitors ahead in the sixth minute with a superb left-footed strike.
The FC Barcelona veteran combined with ex-Bayern Munich teammate Jordi Alba before beating keeper Maarten Paes from the top of the box.
After some exciting back-and-forth on the scoreboard, Messi – who leads the Leagues Cup Golden Boot race with seven goals in four games – scored another world-class golazo five minutes from time to force PKs.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s looping effort left Paes with no chance, reminiscent of his fantasy debut strike against Cruz Azul in Miami’s group stage opener. In the next shootout, he’d get the better of the Dutch goalie for the third time, before Paxton Pomykal skied his shot from the spot, setting up Benjamin Cremaschi’s thrilling 5-3 win.
What awaits Messi and company in the fifth match? They return to action on Friday, August 11 when they host either Charlotte FC or Houston Dynamo FC at DRV PNK Stadium in the quarter final.
Davidd
