When Inter Miami overcame FC Dallas in the Leagues Cup, Lionel Messi won his first penalty shootout triumph in his illustrious club career, surprising many fans in the process.

After 90 minutes, the Texas match was tied 4-4 thanks to Messi’s late heroics, forcing just the second shootout in his 19-year club career.

The Argentina captain did contribute to his nation’s success last December, scoring a goal from 12 yards as Argentina defeated France in the World Cup final.

However, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner had participated in just one shootout while taking part in dozens of significant knockout matches for both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. That occurred for PSG versus Nice in a French Cup match in January 2022.

Despite Messi’s successful penalty kick during that shootout, PSG ultimately fell short 6-5.

A spot-kick Messi missed in the 2016 Copa America final against Chile at MetLife Stadium was given another chance to atone for his transgression on American soil during Miami’s shootout.

Messi converted Miami’s first penalty kick in his first away game since joining Miami, while Dallas’ Paxton Pomykal missed, giving the visitors a 5-3 victory.

One of the most thrilling games of American soccer this season featured four lead changes, three goals from free kicks, two own goals, and three other scores.

Messi, who has scored seven goals in only four outings and is already tied with him for the fourth-highest scorer in franchise history, continued an impressive start to his Inter Miami career.

Messi is currently tied for the team lead with current teammate Josef Martinez on seven goals, along with Lewis Morgan and Rodolfo Pizarro, according to Ian Hest.

Gonzalo Higuain (29 goals), current Inter players Leo Campana (16 goals), and Robert Taylor (8) are the only players to have scored more goals for Inter Miami than Lionel Messi.