Inter Miami trailed by a pair of goals heading into the 80th minute against FC Dallas in the Leagues Cup Round of 16 match. Before July 21, it might’ve felt like game over.
But Inter Miami has Lionel Messi now. And with Messi, no team can ever be ruled out. Messi began by firing a whipping free kick that was headed into net by FC Dallas defender Marco Farfan.
Messi saved his best for last, however, as a second free kick in five minutes went up and over a diving attempt from goalkeeper Maarten Paes to tie the game at 4-4. It was Messi’s second goal of the game, and already the second time in Leagues Cup play he has tallied free kick goals in the 85th minute or later.
HE DID IT AGAIN. 🤯
LEO MESSI. FREE KICK. EQUALIZER. 4-4. pic.twitter.com/Yh1TXFDENH
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 7, 2023
MORE: How Inter Miami beat FC Dallas
Regardless of the angle, that is an incredible goal, nothing short of world class that finds the back of the net whether its in MLS, La Liga or a World Cup final. Need more proof?
Check out this angle.
Messi. Free kick. Inevitable. pic.twitter.com/ykUh52xqDP
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 7, 2023
Filthy.
Messi would have another free kick opportunity in stoppage time, but it was blocked at the line by FC Dallas’ defense. The match went into penalty kicks, and of course, Messi won the coin toss and proceeded to make it look easy on his opening kick.
Messi scores his penalty ❤️pic.twitter.com/EuQM8kcMOc
— Messi Media (@LeoMessiMedia) August 7, 2023
Inter Miami wound up winning the game during penalty kicks, sending the team to the Leagues Cup quarterfinals.
Since arriving in Miami in late July, few teams have had an answer for Messi. He began his MLS career with a goal against Cruz Azul after coming off the bench. In his first start, which came against Atlanta on July 25, he drilled a pair of goals and added two assists. He then notched two more goals against Orlando on Aug. 2.
And in his third MLS start, Messi tallied his third multi-goal game, scoring in the sixth minute of Sunday’s contest.
Another game. Another goal. Just Messi things. 🐐
After Video Review, his sixth goal in four matches stands! pic.twitter.com/SZLTppHm9D
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 7, 2023
