Lionel Messi was on song once again as **Inter Miami CF** saw off **Atlanta United FC** with a comfortable 4-0 win on the second matchday of Leagues Cup 2023, sealing their spot in the playoffs. The Argentine star would only need 7 minutes to open the scoring, and 15 minutes later he would double the lead. Robert Taylor made it three with a thumping finish on the stroke of half-time.
The second half saw Messi assist Taylor to make it 4-0, with the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner coming out on top against Brad Guzan.
At the 77-minute mark, head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino sent on Robbie Robinson, who came on for Messi. As Atlanta United FC pushed on for a consolation goal, defender Christopher McVey would commit a foul in his own penalty area on 84 minutes. Inter Miami CF goalkeeper Drake Callender, though, was equal to Thiago Almada’s effort from the spot and was able to keep a clean sheet.
Houston Dynamo FC took the lead in the first 30 minutes of the match with goals from Corey Baird and Griffin Dorsey, but Harold Preciado came up with a brace and Club Santos Laguna equalized. On penalties, Houston Dynamo won 4-5 against the Laguna side..
Héctor Herrera played a vital role during the 90 minutes. The Mexican has now registered five assists in his last 9 games played with Houston Dynamo and was outstanding against the Mexican side. When he is at his best physically, he is an unstoppable player and arguably one of the best in the league.
FC Dallas showed no mercy against Club Necaxa, defeating them 3-0. The goals were scored by Sebastian Lletget, Eugene Ansah and Jesus Ferreira. The match was marked by the early sending off of Alan Montes in the 11th minute.
With this result, the MLS side secures their spot in the next round of the tournament. Club
Necaxa must now beat Charlotte FC in regular time to advance.
Mazatlán FC overcame FC Juárez in a penalty shootout and qualified in first place in South Group 1 to the Round of 16 of this Leagues Cup 2023. In the 90 minutes, the tie was 1-1 and in the penalty shootout they won 4-2.
In the first half, captain Jefferson Intrago was unlucky to score an own goal for Mazatlan FC. After a corner kick from the left, the midfielder failed to clear after a series of bounces in the box and the ball ended up in the net.
The Cañorenos were searching for an equalizer in the second half, and this long-awaited goal came quickly when, in the 49th minute, Ivory Coast striker Aké Loba scored from a corner kick.
The extra point came into play after the 90 minutes with a penalty shootout, and goalkeeper Ricardo Gutiérrez was a giant in goal to stop two shots from FC Juárez.
