Messi Nets Brace Against Orlando City As Inter Miami Advance In Leagues Cup (thewillnews.com)

August 03, (THEWILL) – In the aftermath of Lionel Messi’s sensational debut for Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup group stage, the Argentine maestro showed no signs of slowing down during the week-long break before the knockout stage.

Amidst speculations about the sustainability of his impressive form, Messi effortlessly silenced his doubters with yet another masterful display. He netted two crucial goals in a commanding 3-1 victory over Orlando City SC, propelling Inter Miami into the Round of 16 in the North American knockout competition.

Messi’s brilliance was not the only highlight of the match, as Josef Martinez also contributed with a goal from the penalty spot. Orlando City managed to put up a fight with Cesar Araujo’s first-half strike, but it was not enough to match the exceptional performance of the Inter Miami side led by the iconic Argentine.

Additionally, the match marked the debut of Jordi Alba, who joined Inter Miami as their new left-back starter and made his presence felt as a second-half substitute.

With the knockout stage now beckoning, Inter Miami face a road test against FC Dallas, who emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Mexican side Mazatlan in their Round of 32 encounter. As the anticipation builds for Messi’s first away game with his new club, American soccer fans cannot help but revel in the anticipation of witnessing more of the mesmerising football that has already captured hearts in the U.S.