Lionel Messi exhibited his brilliance as he scored two crucial goals, including a stunning late equalizer, to propel Inter Miami to the quarter-finals of the Leagues Cup in a thrilling 4-4 draw against FC Dallas. The match was eventually decided by penalties, with Miami prevailing in the shootout.
In the 85th minute, Messi's trademark curling free-kick found the back of the net, marking his seventh goal in just four games for Miami. This impressive strike leveled the score after Miami had trailed 4-2 with only 10 minutes remaining on the clock. Throughout the game, Dallas managed to expose Miami's defensive vulnerabilities, making Messi's late heroics all the more crucial.
Despite the pressure and Dallas's efforts to keep him in check, Messi's brilliance shone through, and his free-kick around the area was likened to a penalty kick by Dallas's Spanish coach Nico Estevez. Messi's impact was felt early in the game when he scored in the sixth minute with a precise side-foot finish, setting Miami ahead. The initial goal was initially disallowed for offside but was eventually awarded after a review by the referee.
Dallas responded strongly, and Argentine Facundo Quignon drew them level in the 37th minute. Before half-time, Bernard Kamungo put Dallas ahead, rounding Miami's goalkeeper Drake Callender. In the 63rd minute, Alan Velasco extended Dallas's lead to 3-1 with a free-kick that flew untouched into the far corner. Miami's teenage substitute Benjamin Cremaschi quickly reduced the deficit, but an unfortunate own goal by Robert Taylor restored Dallas's two-goal advantage at 4-2.
However, Miami's resilience was on full display as Farfan, in an unfortunate moment, headed the ball into his own net, keeping Miami in the game. With just five minutes remaining, Messi delivered yet again, converting a free-kick from 20 yards to level the score and take the game to penalties. The absence of extra time in the Leagues Cup meant that drawn matches go directly to penalty shootouts.
In the shootout, Messi calmly converted his penalty, while Paxton Pomykal missed for Dallas. The 18-year-old Cremaschi sealed Miami's spot in the quarter-finals with the final decisive penalty. The impact of Messi's presence on the team was evident, as Miami remained undefeated with both Messi and Sergio Busquets in the lineup, a stark contrast to their winless streak in Major League Soccer before the Argentine duo's arrival. Miami-born Cremaschi, who has Argentine roots, marveled at Messi's abilities, acknowledging his two-goal heroics in nearly every game. The team's mentality and fighting spirit were also praised, as they showcased the willingness to come back from a deficit in a matter of seconds.
However, despite the positive result, Miami's coach Gerardo Martino acknowledged the team's weaknesses and the need for improvement. He emphasized that while they are happy with the outcome, they should not lose sight of the areas they need to work on as a team.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0