Comparing Lionel Messi’s Free Kick Golazos Against Cruz Azul and FC Dallas: Which Was Better?

• Lionel Messi has scored seven goals in his first four Leagues Cup matches for Inter Miami
• Messi opened his account with a last-minute free kick on his debut against Cruz Azul
• Messi sent the match against FC Dallas into a penalty shootout with an 85th-minute free kick

Lionel Messi is taking the United States by storm.

He has scored seven goals in his first four matches for Inter Miami, leading the club to the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup.

Two of Messi’s goals have come via set pieces, with the Argentine star wowing the world with his free-kick artistry.

Sports Brief compares Messi’s free kick golazos for Inter Miami.

Messi’s free kick vs. Cruz Azul

All eyes were on Messi as he debuted for Inter Miami in their Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul.

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He entered the contest as a substitute in the 54th minute, replacing Benjamin Cremaschi.

The Herons held a 1-0 lead when Messi made his first appearance for the club, but that advantage evaporated when Uriel Antuna scored an equalizer for Cruz Azul in the 65th minute.

When it seemed the game was headed for a penalty shootout, Messi stepped up and delivered the goods.

He drew a foul just outside the box with time winding down in the second half.

Messi had his work cut out for him as he had to hit his free kick over a six-man wall. A low shot also would not work, as a Cruz Azul player was lying down behind the wall.

Messi showed his flair for the dramatic, curling his free kick from 25 yards into the top corner to give Inter Miami a jaw-dropping 2-1 victory, per The Guardian.

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Messi’s free kick vs. FC Dallas

Messi headed to Texas for his first away match in the United States, with Inter Miami battling FC Dallas for a spot in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals.

He had a dream start, scoring a long-range strike in the sixth minute to give Inter Miami a 1-0 lead.

FC Dallas responded, though, scoring four of the next five goals to build a 4-2 lead with 10 minutes left in the contest.

Messi wasn’t going to let his team lose, however. Inter Miami pulled one goal back after the Argentine star’s free kick in the 80th minute was diverted into the back of the net by FC Dallas’ Marco Farfan.

Messi then equalized for Inter Miami in the 85th minute with a stunning free kick from outside the right corner of the penalty box, per Yahoo Sports.

He had to contend with a four-man wall plus an FC Dallas defender lying down for his free kick.

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The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner made no mistake with his shot attempt, curling his effort over the wall and into the top corner to tie the match at 4-4.

Inter Miami went on to win 5-3 on penalties as Messi remained unbeaten to start his professional career in the U.S.

Inter Miami terminate Marsman's contract

Sports Brief recently reported on Inter Miami terminating the contract of Nick Marsman.

The Dutch goalkeeper questioned the club's signing of Lionel Messi months ago.

He made 29 appearances for the Herons since joining them in 2021.