Messi’s Inter Miami, the team with the worst record in MLS, is set to take on Charlotte FC in the quarter-final of the Leagues Cup.
The Leagues Cup is the North American equivalent to the FA Cup in England, where all licensed teams have a shot to play for a tournament title.
Messi scored two goals against FC Dallas on Sunday, plus the first of five successful penalty kicks that moved Inter Miami into the quarterfinals.
The Golden Ball winner of the 2022 FIFA World Cup has scored seven goals in four matches with his new MLS club.
Teams from MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX face teams are included in the tournament. Messi’s Miami debut was a game-winning goal in the final minute against Cruz Azul, and he went on to lead the team to a 4-0 win against Atlanta United and a 3-1 victory over Florida rival Orlando City.
The winner of Friday’s match plays either the Philadelphia Union or Mexican team Querétaro in the Leagues Cup semifinals on Tuesday.
