The 2023 Leagues Cup Round of 16 is finally here, and it starts with Inter Miami and FC Dallas taking it to the pitch in Frisco, Texas.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami roll into Frisco, Texas, and Toyota Stadium to take on FC Dallas in another MLS matchup of the Leagues Cup. Will FC Dallas have enough power to take down the new and improved Inter Miami? Let us look at how these two teams match up and what to look forward to.
How did they get to the point they are at
Inter Miami was missing one key point on their team, and they found it when they signed the Argentine Lionel Messi. Ever since Messi joined the squad, Miami has been on a roll with three consecutive wins in the Leagues Cup by scoring a fantastic goal in stoppage-time to win against Cruz Azul in the group stages. Then was able to get the ball into the goal twice in both of the following matches against Atlanta United and Orlando City.
FC Dallas got through their group stage with four points after playing against Charlotte, which beat them in penalty kicks and then won over Necaxa. FC Dallas then rolled into the Round of 32 and outlasted Mazatlan with a match-winning goal in the 75th minute by Eugene Ansah.
FC Dallas vs. Inter Miami Head-to-Head
FC Dallas and Inter Miami have met four other times, with FC Dallas leading in the overall head-to-head with three wins. Inter Miami has not been able to be FC Dallas but was able to play them to a 1-1 draw back on July 4, 2022. FC Dallas is looking to keep that unbeaten streak against Inter Miami and hopefully cause them not to be able to score a goal for the second straight match.
Even with Inter Miami looking to pick up their first win again FC Dallas, they are also looking to get ahead of Dallas with goals scored. FC Dallas has achieved five goals compared to Inter Miami's three.
FC Dallas vs. Inter Miami Key Numbers and Prediction
FC Dallas has a powerful attacking unit for pressuring other teams and will give Inter Miami a run for their money in this match. With Lionel Messi having scored five goals in the last three cup matches, this already gives Inter Miami a one-up on FC Dallas.
With the Argentine already coming in and taking the MLS by storm, Inter Miami has an excellent chance, making them the favorite to win the Leagues Cup.
Prediction: FC Dallas 1, Inter Miami 3.