FC Dallas players spotted taking photos with Lionel Messi after penalty shootout defeat

FC Dallas players were spotted taking photos with Lionel Messi after their penalty shootout defeat to Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup.

Messi has already scored seven goals since arriving at Inter Miami last month - and that's without even playing a MLS game.

All four of his appearances have come in Leagues Cup matches, with Inter Miami winning all four.

But Sunday's fixture against FC Dallas was the closest that Gerardo Martino's side have come to losing in that time, with the franchise coming back from 3-1 down to level at 4-4 at full-time.

Unsurprisingly, it was Messi that scored a 85th-minute equaliser - his second goal of the game - to take the match to extra time, a trademark stunning free kick from 25 yards out that nestled in the top corner.

The goal even got Inter Miami franchise owner David Beckham on to his feet - and he watched on as Messi confidently dispatched his spot kick in the subsequent penalty shootout.

In fact, the Argentinian's side scored all five of their penalties to secure yet another win, with Paxton Pomykal failing to convert for FC Dallas.

The hosts did score their other penalties - including one from star striker Jesus Ferreira - but it wasn't enough.

Inter Miami were therefore left to celebrate their victory - but opposition players took the opportunity to have photos taken with Messi despite their defeat.

FC Dallas players take pictures with Messi

As the highest-profile arrival in MLS history, sports coverage in the United States has been dominated by Messi.

Fans have been desperate to watch the Argentinian play live, and his first appearance was the most-watched football game in US history.

But it isn't just fans that want to meet the iconic forward. Opposition players, it appears, want to do likewise - and FC Dallas players approached Messi after the end of the shootout on Sunday.

You can see the footage below.

Dallas players taking pictures with Messi, what a thrilling match this was.

Are you tired of Messi Magic yet? What a rush!! 😭
pic.twitter.com/c4tDtfkmDK

— FCB Albiceleste (@FCBAlbiceleste) August 7, 2023

While the clip probably won't go down too well with FC Dallas fans after their side's defeat - and there is potentially a better time and place to grab a photo with Messi - it shows the impact that the 36-year-old has already had on football in the United States.

Messi does have a project on his hands, though, with Inter Miami the worst-performing team in the entire MLS in 2023. Judging by his performances already, you sense that may change soon enough.