LEAGUES CUP
Dallas’ Alan Velasco fulfils dream playing against Messi
The 21-year-old footballer, Alan Velasco, fulfilled his dream by playing against Messi. He scored one of the goals for FC Dallas and took the world champion’s jersey.
All eyes were on Leo Messi on Sunday night at Toyota Park as FC Dallas met Inter Miami in the Round of 16 of the 2023 Leagues Cup.
The Rosario native was just one of a few Argentine players on the pitch with 21-year-old, Alan Velasco catching the eye with an impressive performance on the night with the former Independiente striker bagging FC Dallas’ third goal of the night.
The postgame Messi headlines were dominated by Messi who bagged an 85th minute goal to tie the game at 4-4 with a trademark free kick. The contest would be ultimately decided by a penalty shootout with local Dallas native Paxton Pomykal missing the only spot kick of the night to see the Herons advance as the Texans said goodbye to the 2023 Leagues Cup.
Velasco gets Messi’s shirt
Despite the defeat, Velasco was emotional after exchanging shirts with his idol, which he showed off at the end of the match. Later speaking to the media the player displayed his disappointment for his team’s inability to manage the game.
“We are annoyed as we were two goals ahead with 80 minutes on the clock and then we lost concentration and I don’t know what happened, so we’ll have to analyze the game again. Losing on penalties is cruel so we’re somewhat down at the moment,” he said at the end of the game in the mixed zone.
The former Independiente player arrived in MLS last year and has adapted well with Nico Estévez´s Dallas side having bagged nine goals and delivered seven assists since his arrival in the Texan capital.