Inter Miami Player Ratings: 4-4 Draw (5-3 Penalty Kick Win) vs. FC Dallas
Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Benjamin Cremaschi stood out among the rest of the South Florida side's players in the dramatic road affair
Inter Miami is one step closer to lifting the first trophy in franchise history, but only after Lionel Messi mustered up some more of his magnificent magic to overcome a disjointed collective display.
It took a late two-goal comeback and an ensuing shootout from the spot, but Messi and Inter Miami survived a stiff FC Dallas test by posting a 5-3 penalty kick win following a dramatic 4-4 draw on Sunday. The thrilling manner in which the South Florida side advanced to the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup created plenty of buzz and excitement, yet it also masked, at least in part, what was an uneven showing in the team’s first road game since Messi arrived.
The Argentine superstar, for example, was one of the brightest stars in the roller-coaster affair, and he was joined by the likes of Jordi Alba and Benjamin Cremaschi in having strong performances. Plenty of Inter Miami players had rough nights, however, including Kamal Miller, DeAndre Yedlin, and Josef Martinez.
INTER MIAMI PLAYER RATINGS
Drake Callender (4.5) — His uncharacteristic slow reaction on the own goal summed up his night, as the usually-reliable goalkeeper finished the game with zero saves.
DeAndre Yedlin (4.5) — Was left isolated on the right side with no attacker in front of him, but that does not excuse his lax marking and the needless foul that led to FC Dallas’ third tally.
Sergii Kryvtsov (5) — Looked as slow as he ever has, struggling mightily with the pace of the speedy opposing attackers during defensive transitions.
Kamal Miller (3.5) — Scored a penalty and determinedly delivered a massive tackle on a golden Jesus Ferreira chance, but was still atypically poor with his defending.
Jordi Alba (9) — Two assists in his first Inter Miami start is a mighty fine haul for the left back, who got forward well to whip in a range of dangerous crosses.
Dixon Arroyo (5) — Struggled to provide the defensive muscle in midfield that he is tasked with, and could not make the necessary big tackle when needed.
Sergio Busquets (6) — Hit a few of his customary penetrating passes forward, but had some trouble influencing the game due to the tight marking of Alan Velasco and was also asked to do more defending than usual.
Diego Gomez (5) — Did not provide enough defensive resistance, misplayed a few passes, and wilted in the Texas heat as the game wore on while also being involved in Messi’s opener and looking poised at times in possession.
Robert Taylor (5) — Lacked the clinical finishing he has displayed in recent games, and was a bit unlucky to score that lamentable own goal.
Lionel Messi (9.5) — Involved in every Inter Miami tally, he delivered yet another masterclass that included a sensational tying free kick that got everyone out of their seats in the dying minutes.
Josef Martinez (4) — Played negative pass after negative pass while never looking a threat in the final third. His place in the starting lineup needs to be analyzed.
Benjamin Cremaschi (8.5) — Provided an incredible spark off the bench, scoring a goal within seconds and providing some much-needed energy before taking the decisive penalty in the shootout.
Robbie Robinson (6) — Also brought on a pair of fresh legs, scrapping and clawing down the left wing as the team rallied.
Leonardo Campana (5.5) — Limited touches in his latest substitute cameo, but used his body well and flicked a few passes on the few times he saw the ball.
Gerardo Martino (5) — Went too defensive with his initial game plan, which left his team uncomfortable and not playing to its strengths, but his insertion of Cremaschi and in-game adjustment to throw numbers forward helped force the penalty kicks.