2023-08-03 03:35:00
Lionel Messi stole the show once more in match highlights in Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over Orlando City SC on Wednesday, helping his club to the League Cup Round of 16 .
The Argentinian scored a second straight double following his side dominated on July 25 once morest Atlanta United, to bring his total to five goals already in three games with his new team.
Miami will face FC Dallas in the round of 16, who defeated Mexican team Mazatlán 2-1 also tonight.
It took Messi just under 7 minutes to open the scoring. He held down a lobbed pass from Robert Taylor with his chest, then struck with a left foot to beat goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
Orlando, however, responded quickly through Cesar Araujo 10 minutes later when he jumped on the return following Drake Callender’s initial save.
Messi then picked up a first yellow card in a Miami uniform, following tripping Wilder Cartagena.
The two Florida teams were tied at halftime in a game that was delayed an hour and a half by thunderstorms in Fort Lauderdale.
Faulted by Antonio Carlos, Josef Martinez inherited a penalty and he did not miss his chance to restore the lead to Inter shortly following returning to the field. Then Messi added a cushion to that lead in the 72nd minute, with help from Martinez.
Another Miami newcomer, Jordi Alba, was introduced to the home crowd by owner David Beckham. Not being in the starting lineup, Messi’s former teammate with FC Barcelona finally entered in the 63rd minute to replace Noah Allen. Diego Gomez also made his debut.
In the day’s other matches, two more MLS clubs advanced to the next round. Houston first defeated Pachuca on penalties (5-3) following the 0-0 stalemate was held at the end of regulation time. Los Angeles FC defeated Juárez 7-1. Dénis Bouanga scored a hat-trick, with all three goals coming in the second half.
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