Messi’s Magic Sends Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup Quarterfinals

Inter Miami CF advanced to the Leagues Cup quarterfinals with a penalty shootout victory over FC Dallas on Sunday night, in a game that featured an incredible eight goals in regulation.

The thriller was highlighted by Lionel Messi’s third consecutive brace, including a stunning free-kick equalizer in the 85th minute, and a goal with his first touch by second-half substitute Benjamin Cremaschi.

Inter Miami CF vs FC Dallas Highlights

Alba connected with Messi just six minutes into his debut, cutting a pass back to the Argentine at the top of the box, where he struck a first-time shot inside the near post for an early 0-1 lead.

The move marked the pair’s first goal in Inter Miami colors, evoking countless memorable moments together at FC Barcelona; it was Alba’s first assist for the team.

Dallas then took control of the game, scoring twice before halftime. First, in the 37th minute, Marco Farfan crossed to Facundo Quignon, who scored with a volley. Then, in the 45th minute, Jesus Ferreira set up Bernard Kamungo, who scored to put the team ahead 2-1 at the half.

In the 63rd minute, Alan Velasco’s free-kick found the inside of the far post to make it 3-1.

Just two minutes later, Inter Miami cut the deficit in half when Messi played a through ball towards the end line for Alba, who then played a ball back in front of the goal, where substitute Cremaschi connected and scored just moments after coming on to make it 3-2.

Cremaschi’s goal was his second for the team, and Alba’s assist was his second in just his second start and appearance.

A pair of own goals, one for each team, followed, bringing the game to a frantic conclusion. Then, in the 85th minute, Messi took a free kick from just outside the right corner of the box and curled his shot past the diving keeper and into the top right corner of the net to tie the game at four goals apiece.

The goal, Messi’s seventh in four games with Inter Miami and his third consecutive brace, forced a penalty shootout.

Messi, Busquets, Leonardo Campana, Miller, and Cremaschi all scored in the penalty shootout to give Inter Miami a 5-4 victory.

What did Inter Miami CF head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino say about the victory?

“In any team the subject of character is important. I think that we had it today. We made a lot of mistakes…but we also showed a sample of the team’s character, and that gave us the chance,” said head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino. “We’re really happy with the result and the wins which help us to continue evolving.”

What’s Next For Inter Miami CF?

Inter Miami will now play in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals on Friday, August 11 at DRV PNK Stadium.

The team will host the winner of Monday night’s Round of 16 match between Charlotte FC and Houston Dynamo FC.