2023 Leagues Cup: Inter Miami 4 (5)-(3) 4 FC Dallas
Lionel Messi scored two more goals as the South Florida side clawed back late and advanced to the quarterfinals on penalties
Inter Miami was up against the ropes, woozy, dazed, and on the brink of being knocked out.
Then, Lionel Messi led a resilient and dramatic effort that will be talked about for days.
Inter Miami dramatically advanced to the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup on Sunday night, clawing back from a 4-2 deficit in the final 10 minutes to tie FC Dallas, 4-4, at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. The South Florida side was perfect on the ensuing penalty kicks, with Benjamin Cremaschi converting the fifth and decisive spot kick in the 5-3 shootout that also saw Paxton Pomykal miss for FC Dallas.
Messi led Inter Miami’s riveting Round of 16 comeback, forcing an 80th-minute own goal with a dangerous set piece from the left before hitting a stunning free kick from the right to level the proceedings in the 85th. The red-hot superstar also scored the game’s opener.
Tata Martino’s men will host their quarterfinals bout, which will be on Aug. 11-12 against the winner of Monday’s match between the Houston Dynamo and Charlotte FC.
Inter Miami: Lionel Messi (Jordi Alaba) 6’
FC Dallas: Facundo Quignon (Marco Farfan) 37’
FC Dallas: Bernard Kamungo (Jesus Ferreira) 45’
FC Dallas: Alan Velasco (Free Kick) 63’
Inter Miami: Benjamin Cremaschi (Jordi Alba) 65’
FC Dallas: Robert Taylor (Own Goal) 68’
Inter Miami: Marco Farfan (Own Goal) 80’
Inter Miami: Lionel Messi (Free Kick) 85’
PENALTIES
Inter Miami: Lionel Messi — Goal (1-0)
FC Dallas: Paul Arriola — Goal (1-1)
Inter Miami: Sergio Busquets — Goal (2-1)
FC Dallas: Paxton Pomykal — Miss (2-1)
Inter Miami: Leonardo Campana — Goal (3-1)
FC Dallas: Facundo Quignon — Goal (3-2)
Inter Miami: Kamal Miller — Goal (4-2)
FC Dallas: Jesus Ferreira — Goal (4-3)
Inter Miami: Benjamin Cremaschi — Goal (5-3)
Great game, great write up! I think Martinez needs a break. Campana should get a start.