Messi freekick seals comeback as Inter Miami knockouts FC Dallas on penalties

Inter Miami recorded a 5-3 victory on penalties against FC Dallas in a League Cup fixture played in the early hours of Monday, August 7, 2023.

It was an intense game as Inter Miami from the brink of a loss to tie the game 4-4 against FC Dallas.

It was a fast start for Inter Miami as Messi’s left boot connected with a cross from Jordi Alba to give Inter Miami a 1-0 lead in the sixth minute.

In the 37th minute, Facundo Quignon equalized for FC Dallas from an assist by Marco Farfan.

Bernard Kamungo in the 45th minute snuck a goal right by Inter Miami’s defender as FC Dallas went to the break with the lead.

FC Dallas went up by two goals as Alan Velasco put the ball in after a free kick.

Alba bagged his second assist for Benjamin Cremaschi to score the second for Inter Miami.

Inter Miami's comeback suffered a setback as Robert Taylor put the ball in his own net for FC Dallas's fourth.

There was another own goal as Inter Miami closed the gap when Messi's free-kick was headed in by Marco Farfan.

It was up to Messi to complete the comeback with a stunning free kick in the 85th minute, tying the game.

FC Dallas and Inter Miami tied 4-4 in regulation and proceeded to penalties to determine a winner.

Inter Miami would win the spot kicks 5-3 to continue their undefeated run since Messi joined the club.

Since moving to Miami, Messi has scored in all four games for a total of six games with seven goals.

At DRV PNK Stadium, Miami will host the quarterfinal matchup between Charlotte FC and Houston Dynamo, whose winner will advance.