Lionel Messi sends Inter Miami into Leagues Cup last 16

Inter Miami defeated Orlando City 3-1 at home to advance to the League Cup round of 16 thanks to two goals from Argentine legend Lionel Messi.

Messi, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain F.C. star, gave the hosts the lead in the seventh minute on Wednesday night when he timed his run to perfection and controlled Robert Taylor’s lofted pass with his chest before thumping a close-range volley past Peruvian goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

The visitors equalised shortly after through Cesar Araujo, who swept home a first-time finish after Ivan Angulo’s shot was parried clear by Drake Callender, reports Xinhua.

Venezuelan striker Josef Martinez then converted a penalty after he was brought down by Antonio Carlos.

Messi put the result beyond doubt with another volley from the edge of the six-yard box following Martinez’s unselfish pass.

The result means Inter Miami will meet FC Dallas in the next round, with the winner earning a spot in the quarterfinals.

Messi, who joined Inter Miami as a free agent last month after parting ways with Paris Saint-Germain, has now scored five goals from three games for the Florida outfit.-IANS