The 21-year-old footballer, Alan Velasco, fulfilled his dream by playing against Messi. He scored one of the goals for FC Dallas and took the world champion’s jersey.
Luis Guillermo Vázquezluis_lgazulPaul Reidypaulreidy67Update: Aug 7th, 2023 11:28 EDT
Kevin JairajUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
All eyes were on Leo Messi on Sunday night at Toyota Park as FC Dallas met Inter Miami in the Round of 16 of the 2023 Leagues Cup.
The Rosario native was just one of a few Argentine players on the pitch with 21-year-old, Alan Velasco catching the eye with an impressive performance on the night with the former Independiente striker bagging FC Dallas’ third goal of the night.
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Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF looks on in the second half during the Leagues Cup 2023 Round of 16 match ALEX BIERENS DE HAANAFP
The postgame Messi headlines were dominated by Messi who bagged an 85th minute goal to tie the game at 4-4 with a trademark free kick. The contest would be ultimately decided by a penalty shootout with local Dallas native Paxton Pomykal missing the only spot kick of the night to see the Herons advance as the Texans said goodbye to the 2023 Leagues Cup.
Velasco gets Messi’s shirt
Despite the defeat, Velasco was emotional after exchanging shirts with his idol, which he showed off at the end of the match. Later speaking to the media the player displayed his disappointment for his team’s inability to manage the game.
