Messi strikes twice to lead Inter Miami to Round of 16

MIAMI, Florida – The 2023 Leagues Cup Round of 32 kicked off on Wednesday night with Argentina superstar and 2022 FIFA World Cup winner Lionel Messi scoring two goals to pace Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over in-state rivals Orlando City SC at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

Inter Miami advance to the Round of 16 where they will face FC Dallas, who topped Mazatlan FC 2-1 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Eugene Ansah’s goal in the 75^th minute earned FC Dallas the date to face Messi and Inter Miami.

GK Steve Clark was the hero on the night for the Houston Dynamo, who eliminated Liga MX top seed Pachuca 5-3 in a penalty shootout following a 0-0 draw between the teams at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas. Clark made a key penalty save that set up the winning conversion for Houston.

Denis Bouanga notched a hat trick, while Carlos Vela added a brace to power Los Angeles FC to a commanding 7-1 victory against FC Juarez at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California.

Six more games are scheduled for Thursday, including an all-New York City battle between the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. NYCFC finished second in their group, while the Red Bulls were group winners.

Audi Field in Washington, DC will be the setting of an all-Liga MX duel, as group winners Pumas take on Queretaro, who finished second in their group. Pumas are already familiar with Audi Field, having defeated DC United there 3-0 in the group stage.

After a five-goal haul against Atletico San Luis in their group stage finale, the New England Revolution will host another Liga MX side to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, as they face an Atlas team that defeated both Toronto FC and NYCFC by a 1-0 scoreline.

The Philadelphia Union and DC United will meet in an all-MLS affair at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. The Union scored eight goals in their two group stage games.

Charlotte FC’s journey in their first ever international tournament continues at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas against six-time Concacaf champions Cruz Azul. Charlotte FC topped their group, while Cruz Azul edged Atlanta United in a penalty shootout to book their Round of 32 place.

The night will then be rounded out by 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup winners Club Leon taking on Real Salt Lake at America First Field in Sandy, Utah. Club Leon topped a group consisting of MLS sides Vancouver Whitecaps and Los Angeles Galaxy, while Real Salt Lake finished second in their group.