Lionel Messi: Lionel Messi has become the centre of attraction for all football fans throughout America. He has taken the MLS by storm and led the team into the Leagues Cup quarter-finals after defeating FC Dallas in the round of 16 stage. Even though the Dallas team lost the match, the match became unforgettable for their starlet Argentine Alan Velasco. The U17 International had a moment with Messi after the match. The two Argentines were also seen chatting during the match on the field.
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Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Co. faced FC Dallas in their Leagues Cup round of 16 match. While Miami sailed past their opponents in their previous Leagues Cup matches, Dallas proved to be worthy opponents. They put up a tough fight as the scoresheet read 4-4 at the end of the official 90 minutes. Other than Messi, there was another Argentine on the field who was playing for Dallas. The 21-year-old Argentine didn’t only get on the scoresheet, but he also had an unforgettable match of his life.
He had a chat with his hero and compatriot Leo Messi on the field. Later, the Dallas starlet told ESPN what they were talking about. He said, “I spoke [about] something that a friend of his had told me, nothing bad. Where he grew up in his childhood, that’s why he was surprised.” The moment furthered at the end of the match when the two Argentines exchanged their shirts and hugged before heading into the tunnel. Velasco explained the moment and the game as an unforgettable one.
Valesco said, “It’s a game that I will never forget in my life. I played against Messi, he gave me his shirt and a hug. I asked for it, clearly. I’m happy on that side.” FC Dallas play in the MLS Western Conference, so they won’t get another opportunity this season to play against each other. However, they still justified their position in the MLS Western Conference table as they fought till the end against Miami. They lost the match in the penalty shootout that followed after the draw.
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Dallas’ Paxton Pomykal missed the second penalty during the penalty shootout which saw them get knocked out. Inter Miami progressed to the quarter-finals of the tournament where they will now face Charlotte FC. The match is set to be held at Miami’s home DRV PNK stadium on 11th August 5:00 AM IST. That will be Messi’s fifth appearance for the Miami team. He is yet to make his first appearance in the MLS as all four matches he played for Miami have been Leagues Cup matches.
In these four matches, the new Inter Miami captain has scored 7 goals. His first goal for Miami was a beautiful free-kick goal which won them their opening Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul. Since then, Messi has scored a brace in all of their next three matches. He could even have bagged his first hattrick for Miami during their match against Orlando City. However, captain Messi handed the ball to his teammate Josef Martinez to take the penalty. Now Messi is in Inter Miami’s all-time top 5 scorers.
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