'Illegal or Smart?': Lionel Messi caught using underhanded tactics before free-kick- WATCH

Inter Miami is set to face Charlotte FC in the quarter-finals of the Leagues Cup 2023 after they beat FC Dallas last week on penalties after a 4-4 draw. Lionel Messi was again one of the greatest players on the pitch, as the Argentine scored two goals. The Argentine star decided to take on a new challenge after leaving Europe's PSG to join Miami in the MLS last month.

3 things you need to know

• Messi is now the top goalscorer for Miami this season despite playing only 4 matches

• Inter Miami will face FC Charlotte on August 12, 2023

• Messi has scored 2 freekicks for the MLS side this season so far

Also Read: WATCH: Messi Makes Fans Go Wild With Breathtaking Free-kick In 85th Minute To Rescue Inter

Lionel Messi scored an 85th-minute controversial freekick  against Dallas

Lionel Messi is on fire for his new club this season, scoring 7 goals in 4 matches in the Leagues Cup. The Argentine star scored his first goal for Miami with a freekick in the last minute of the match against Liga MX side Cruz Azul. He recently scored a freekick against FC Dallas at the 85th minute to equalize when they were trailing by 1 goal.  As a seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, some may question Messi's techniques in light of his performance against FC Dallas. Messi's dead-ball prowess is unparalleled, but a recent video suggests he may occasionally employ unconventional strategies.

While the referee was preoccupied with other players during Messi's equalizing free kick against FC Dallas, he was observed altering the position of the ball to achieve the ideal angle for his shot. This action elicited laughter as he continued to adjust the placement of the ball until he was satisfied. When the whistle eventually blew, it did not come as a surprise that Messi converted the free kick for another goal.

Also Read:  Peak Barca moment ensues after Jordi Alba assists Lionel Messi for an epic goal | WATCH

Inter Miami had a dramatic journey to reach the quarterfinals

The eagerly anticipated Leagues Cup knockout match between Inter Miami and FC Dallas began in Texas. Both teams started well until Lionel Messi put Inter Miami ahead in the sixth minute, with his left-footed attempt from outside the penalty area. The first goal for Messi's new American team outside Florida.

FC Dallas rallied after Messi's opener. First-half goals by Facundo Quignon and Bernard Kamungo offset Messi's 1-0 disadvantage. FC Dallas led 2-1 at halftime, setting up an exciting second half. FC Dallas established a 3-1 lead in the 63rd minute when Alan Velasco scored the goal. Benjamin Cremaschi scored in the 65th minute to keep Miami in the game. The suspense increased when Robert Taylor's own goal gave FC Dallas a 4-2 lead in the 68th minute.

Inter Miami did not give up, and FC Dallas' 80th-minute own goal made it 4-3. Miami equalized in the 85th minute when Messi beat FC Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes from the freekick. A 4-4 draw ended in a penalty shootout. Inter Miami won the shootout with the help of  Benjamin Cremaschi.