Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring one of his goals [Source: Inter Miami/Twitter]
With a week between the Leagues Cup group stage and knockout stage, Lionel Messi answered in one fell swoop, scoring another two goals in a 3-1 win over Orlando City SC to see Inter Miami advance to the Round of 16.
Messi continued his brilliance, helping drag this last-placed Inter Miami side to the next stage of this new North American knockout competition.
Josef Martinez added one more from the penalty spot, and Orlando City didn’t have enough to match, only managing a first-half strike from Cesar Araujo.
For his 9th goal in 12 career games against Orlando City, Josef Martínez converts a PK to put us back in the lead 👊#MIAvORL | 2-1| 📺 #MLSSeasonPass on @AppleTV pic.twitter.com/lhJvjZbi2P
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 3, 2023
Jordi Alba also made his Inter Miami debut in the process, coming on as a second-half substitute as he looks to establish himself as the club’s new left-back starter.
Doblete de MESSI 2️⃣#MIAvORL | 3-1 | 📺#MLSSeasonPass on @AppleTV pic.twitter.com/8ryNpYhBZK
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 3, 2023
Messi will now hit the road for the first time with his new club, as Inter Miami are set to visit FC Dallas, who topped Mexican side Mazatlan 2-1 in their Round of 32 matchup.
MESSI X ROBERT TAYLOR BANGERS ONLY 🤯🤯
Taylor puts Messi in with the chip to give us the early lead over Orlando City.#MIAvORL | 📺#MLSSeasonPass on @AppleTV pic.twitter.com/kvb8Lmcccj
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 3, 2023
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