FC Dallas 4-4 Inter Miami: summary, score, goals, highlights Leagues Cup 2023
FC Dallas - Inter Miami: 2023 Leagues Cup - as it happened
What a game. A tame first half that saw Dallas lead and just when it seemed that Messi was set to taste his first defeat in an Inter Miami shirt a crazy Farfan own goal and then a moment of inspiration from the Argentine with a trade mark free kick secured a late 4-4 draw that took the Round of 16 clash to a penalty shoot out.
Paxton Pomykal was the villain for FC Dallas as he blazed over from the spot with Miami converting all their spot kicks and Tata Martino's side now advance to the next stage of the competition where the will face Houston or Charlotte at the DRV PNK Stadium next weekend.
Cheers for joining us tonight for what was a massively entertaining Leagues Cup clash and what a joy it is to see Messi still delivering moments of genuine magic!
Heartbreak for Dallas who really pushed Inter Miami all the way.
Inter Miami will now host the winners of Houston Dynamo-Charlotte FC
Cremaschi can be the hero for Miami.
He scores and Miami win and advance to the next round of the Leagues Cup.
Jesus Ferreira now the next man for Dallas.
The USMNT player slots home and Dallas are still alive.
DAL 3-4 MIA
Miller now for Miami.
The Canadian also fires the ball in to the corner.
Dallas under pressure as Quignon is up next.
The Argentine executes a fine penalty.
DAL 2-3 MIA
Next up for Miami is Campana and the no.9 slots the ball into the corner.
Cool !
Advantage Miami
Pomykal next up for FCD.
The local lad blazes over.
DAL 1-2 MIA
Busquets next up for Miami.
The veteran also opts for the middle and scores.
FC Dallas now with Paul Arriola to strike.
The captain fires home down the centre.
DAL 1-1 MIA
Messi to shoot first.
The Argentine makes no mistake.
Inter Miami to shoot first in the pks
The whistle sounds and it ends level in a crazy, crazy game.
Messi is human !
The ball is drilled into the wall and it looks like a shoot out will be the way of determining who advances to the quarter final of the Leagues Cup.
Busquets clipped and Inter Miami are awarded a free.
A little further out for Messi.
Surely he can' deliver again? Surely not ?
Dallas are still reeling from the comeback as they led 4-2 with just a handful of minutes to go.
What drama we've seen in Frisco and a great advertisement for MLS-Leagues Cup !
We'll have six minutes of added time.
Last minute of the game and will we have a further twist in the tail in this crazy game.
Inter Miami smell blood now and Messi strikes but the ball is straight after Tafari.
Messi really is a joy to behold .....
As things stand, the game will be resolved by a shoot-out
Five minutes plus stoppage time in this roller coaster of a game !
A spectacular 'postage stamp' finish from Messi....
The Argentine places the ball carefully.
Can he deliver again as he did vs Cruz Azul ?
Yes.... incredible !
4-4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Inter Miami free and Messi to take again.
Taylor fouled and this really is Messi territory!
Less than ten as Inter Miami sense nerves in the FC Dallas side now.
Messi free on the corner of the box after a Dallas handball.
Its an og as Messi dinks the ball into the box and Farfan heads into his own net.
Inter Miami still looking for a way back but unable to find a way through a well drilled Dallas defence.
Velasco has a go from the edge of the box and the former Independiente man exits the pitch.
Busquets carded as he clips Velasco but it appears that the Spaniard failed to touch the Argentine.
After a crazy spell, the water break offers both sides to gain come composure but as things stand, it's set to be the Texans who progress.
Water break time.
Less than 20 minutes remain and it's an uphill struggle for Inter Miami who are staring an exit from the 2023 Leagues Cup.
Dallas break and with a 4 vs 3 have numerical advantage and the Finnish striker did well in getting back but was unlucky and it's 4-2.
FC Dallas score again as Robert Taylor steers the ball into his own net.
What a game here in Frisco.
Still more than 24 minutes remaining.
Goooool.
What a reply from Inter Miami as sub Cremaschi drills the ball into the roof of the net.
The ball going in all the way from the Argentine's free.
Goooool
Dallas make it 3-1 and it's Velasco who claims the goal.
We hit the hour mark as Velasco delights the Frisco fans with a nutmeg.
The Argentine has been one of the best players on the pitch tonight.
Dallas changes
Arriola and Ansah on as Obrian and Kamungo off
The game is so open now as tiredness kicks in.
Both sides carving out chances.
Alba finds Messi who sets up Busquets....but the finish is poor and the ball is high and wide
Robert Taylor is another player who has yet to catch fire tonight and that chemistry with Messi yet to flourish this evening.
Ferreira is free and overruns the ball when he really should have scored.
Dallas miss a gift and it's Ferreira who heads with the goal gaping.
FC Dallas go close as Kamungo heads wide as the Tanzanian international ghosts in at the back post.
Messi finds Gomez after the Argentine was assisted by Busquets and a poor effort from the Inter Miami No. 8
The temperature has dropped to 95F/33C but the heat was a matter that Tara Martino reflected on at the break.
Here we go... Miami to start the second half.
The teams make their way back to the pitch.
Who will progress to the next stage where the winners of Houston-Charlotte FC
So, Inter Miami in unfamiliar territory as the trail at the break.
A big test of character ahead for the Herons as the have been the second best side tonight from the first half showing.
We've seen little from Busquets tonight and that was the game plan from Dallas to keep the former FC Barcelona man quiet.
The whistle sounds and Inter Miami trail 2-1 at the break.
Quignon and Kamungo for Dallas after Messi struck early for Inter Miami.
The Herons look going forward but very porous at the back.
We'll have three minutes of added time.
What a goal from Kamungo as he skips past the Inter Miami after a fine pass from Ferreira who streaks free.
The Toyota Stadium is in raptures as FC Dallas take the lead.
Messi feeds Alba who tees up Taylor but the Finn drives over with the former Brann Bergen man lacking composure with the effort.
Dallas fire back and it's the 30-year-old Quignon who swivels on the penalty spot and finds the corner.
Well deserved on the balance of play it has to be said.
Inter Miami almost make it two as Taylor and then Messi go close.
The Herons do look excellent going forward and have that traditional vulnerability at the back.
Possession - FC Dallas 46-54 Miami (%)
Wonderful combination between Messi and Martinez but the former Atlanta man drifts offside and the move breaks down.
We're back underway in Frisco and it remains 0-1 for Miami.
We've yet to see Ferreira and Kamungo to create any real danger for Dallas.
Not for the first time tonight, Gomez gives the ball away but Dallas are unable to create any danger.
Time for a water break with temps over 100F - 39C
Inter Miami just happy to move the ball around and take any initiative away from Dallas.
The home side have been the better team in the opening twenty minutes but it's the visitors from Miami who have the all important goal.
Long range effort from Gomez who fancies his chances from 30 yards but blazes well over the bar.
Alan Velasco has looked bright tonight as Yedlin makes a vital clearance for Inter Miami as Dallas dominate.
Tafari carded as he clatters into Martinez and the Dallas man is the first name in referee Cesar Ramos' notebook tonight.
Dallas going close and already have had a goal chalked off.
A decent opening showing from the home side.
FC Dallas free and Velasco strikes the ball over the wall and inches wide.
"Messi, Messi" chants ring out again.
What can FC Dallas offer by way of reply.
No, hold that.
The flag is up with the referee signalling an offside.
Josef Martinez was indeed in an offside position as Messi struck and the official is now going to look at VAR.
Goooooooooool.
Messiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
Ferreira was in an offside position as he headed home and immediately Miami break with Taylor on the ball.
The ball is in the net but the flag is up for offside.
FC Dallas adapting the better to the start of the action.
Almost a goal for Dallas as Ferreira clips the ball inches wide with a glancing header.
Off we go and straight away we get a massive ´Messi, Messi´chant from the home crowd.
All set... Inter Miami looking to beat FC Dallas for the first time ever !
The teams are on the pitch ... Inter Miami in their classic pink and FC Dallas in their home red shirts-blue shorts.
Thunderstruck by AC/DC greets the teams and we're just moments away from the start.
Will be interesting to see young Argentine player Alan Velasco as he faces his idol in Messi.
The former Independiente striker has been hugely impressive recently for FC Dallas and linking up well with main striker Ferreira.
Starting XI's
FC Dallas - Maarten Paes (P); Geovane Jesus, Sebastien Ibeagha, Nkosi Tafari, Marco Farfan; Bernard Kamungo, Sebastian Lletget (C), Facundo Quignon, Jáder Obrian; Alan Velasco; Jesús Ferreira.
Inter Miami - Drake Callender (P); DeAndre Yedlin, Serhiy Kryvtsov, Kamal Miller, Jordi Alba; Dixon Arroyo, Sergio Busquets, Diego Gómez; Lionel Messi (C), Josef Martínez, Robert Taylor.
Mixed reception for Messi
Messi is on the road with Inter Miami for the first time as they face FC Dallas in Frisco and was given a mixed reaction from the supporters packed into the compact stadium.
The Toyota Stadium almost full now and the red of FC Dallas is very much the predominant colour.
There are plenty of Argentina shirts on display with a few pink Inter Miami shirts on view.
A full house (over 20,000) fans set to pack into the compact stadium this evening.
DAL-MIA: match offcials
Referee:César Arturo Ramos Palazuelos
Ast. Referee 1:Alberto Morín Méndez
Ast. Referee 2:Marco Antonio Bisguerra Mendiola
Fourth official:Randy Encarnación Solano
VAR:Erick Yair Miranda Galindo
Ast. VAR:Ricardo Montero
Applying pressure on Busquets seems to be the key for FC Dallas tonight with the veteran Spanish central player the cog in the wheel at the centre of all things creative for Inter Miami.
We've just had confirmation that the game will start at 9:40 (ET) . Ten minutes after the scheduled kick-off time.
The players of both sides are warming up as 'Jump Around' by House of Pain blares from the stadium PA system.
Boos greet Messi as he takes to the pitch. This is the Argentine's first game away from the DRV PNK Stadium !
FC Dallas fans getting into the groove
The El Matador FC Dallas fans are already generating plenty of noise outside the Toyota Stadium as kick off draws ever closer.
Inter Miami XI
Tata Martino has named his side to face FC Dallas as new recruits Messi, Jordi Alba and Busquets start for the Herons.
Josef Martinez and the impressive Robert Taylor will partner the man from Rosario in the Miami front line.
FC Dallas XI announced
The Texans will play with three men in the forward line with Jesus Ferreira accompanied by Kamungo and Velasco.
2 Liga MX opponents for FC Dallas
The Texan sides path to the Round of 16 saw Estevez's men beat Mazatlan 2-1 in the Round of 32 game and a 3-0 win over a poor Necaxa side followed a 2-2 draw against Charlotte in the opening group stage game of the 2023 Leagues Cup.
Dallas boss Estévez looking to spoil Messi party
The Spanish head coach remains confident in his team's abilities and boldly stated, "We will try to be the bad guys in Messi's Major League Soccer story."
Estévez recognizes the significance of Messi's influence, stating, "Messi's arrival changed everything. Pep Guardiola has already made it clear. The team with Lionel Messi is always the favourite.”
Argentina shirts dominate in Dallas
Expectation levels are sky-high in Dallas as kick-off draws ever closer.
Fans line the streets hoping for a glimpse of the Inter Miami striker with the albiceleste shirt dominant.
Dallas scorcher awaits Messi
The game tonight will be played in the intense heat of the Texan summer with a current temperature in Dallas of 102F-39C.
Expect cooling breaks and a full allocation of subs from both head coaches.
Dallas demand through the roof
Tickets for tonight's game sold out in just under 18 minutes and a cursory look on the AXS resale platform sees the current average ticket available for approximately 450 US Dollars.
Leo Messi remains the hottest ticket in North American soccer.
Predicted Lineups:
FC Dallas: Maarten Paes; Sam Junqua, José Martínez, Nkosi Tafari, Geovane Jesus; Alan Velasco, Facundo Quignón, Sebastian Lletget; Jáder Obrian, Jesus Ferreira, Bernard Kamungo
Inter Miami CF: Drake Callender; DeAndre Yedlin, Serhiy Kryvtsov, Kamal Miller, Jordi Alba; Dixon Arroyo, Sergio Busquets, Benjamin Cremaschi; Lionel Messi, Josef Martínez, Robert Taylor.
Who's up next for Dallas/Inter Miami?
The winner of tonight's clash in Frisco can book its spot in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Leagues Cup and face the winner of the match between Charlotte FC and Houston Dynamo FC in the next stage of the tournament.
Recent FC Dallas-Miami meetings
Both sides have already met in the 2023 MLS season with Dallas recording a 0-1 win at the DRV PNK Stadium back in April.
Both previous meetings have come in Texas with Inter Miami recording a 1-1 draw in 2022 and falling 2-1 back in 2020.
Lionel Messi / HECTOR VIVAS / Getty Images via AFP
Messi’s matches in Texas
Of the four matches Messi has played in Texas, he has won two and drew two. His first match in Texas took place on August 10, 2006. On that occasion, Barcelona drew 4-4 with Mexico’s América at Reliant Stadium, but Messi failed to get on the score sheet.
Although he did not return for nine years, he made his comeback in 2015, when Argentina visited the United States to play two friendlies: one against Bolivia at Houston Sports Park and the other against Mexico at AT&T Stadium.
In the first game, the side coached by current Inter Miami boss Tata Martino won 7-0, with two goals from Messi, two by Kun Agüero, two from Pocho Lavezzi and one from Atlético Madrid forward Ángel Correa. In the second match - which ended in a 2-2 draw - Messi netted one.
The 2022 World Cup winner’s last appearance in Texas was in 2016, when Argentina defeated the USMNT 4-0 in the semi-final of the Copa América Centenario. The Inter Miami forward scored one in the comprehensive victory.
FC Dallas: recent results
July, 2023: FC Dallas 2-2 Charlotte
July, 2023: Seattle 1-1 Dallas
July, 2023: Colorado 2-1 Dallas
July, 2023: Dallas 0-1 DC United
July, 2023: Mazatlán 1-2 FC Dallas
Recent Inter Miami results
July, 2023: Inter Miami 3-1 Orlando City
July, 2023: Inter Miami 4-0 Atlanta Utd
July, 2023: Inter Miami 2-1 Cruz Azul
July, 2023: Saint Louis City 3-0 Inter Miami
July, 2023: DC United 2-2 Inter Miami
The action at the Toyota Stadium gets underway at 9:30 pm (ET) and the match will mark the first Inter Miami match for Messi away from the DRV PNK stadium.
Hello and welcome to the opening game in the 2023 Leagues Cup Round if 16 as FC Dallas face Inter Miami in Frisco.