Lionel Messi scored off another mesmerising free kick in his third consecutive two-goal game for Inter Miami, a tying tally that led to a 5-3 victory over FC Dallas on penalties in a Leagues Cup elimination game.

Messi’s goal in the 85th minute on Sunday night was reminiscent of the game-winner on his Inter Miami debut, both on free kicks from just outside the penalty box in the waning moments and sneaking past the goalkeeper into the upper corner of the net.

This time, the left-footed superstar, was to the right of the net, and beat FC Dallas’ Maarten Paes to the near post the same way he did from the left side in a 2-1 win over Mexican club Cruz Azul on his Miami debut.

Messi's brace helped Inter Miami advance to the Leagues Cup quarter finals on penalties after rallying from a pair of two-goal deficits to level things at 4-4 by the end of regulation time on Sunday night in Frisco, Texas.

Messi’s first goal outside of Florida for his new US club was another left-footed strike outside the penalty area in the sixth minute, on a pass from former FC Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba. It was initially disallowed on an offside call that was overturned on review.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup champion for Argentina has scored in all four matches for Inter Miami, with seven goals total.

Messi also assisted Benjamin Cremaschi's goal for Miami, which had gone winless in 11 league matches prior to the Argentine World Cup winner's arrival last month.

Messi had several free kicks in the second half, with each attempt bringing everyone in the sellout crowd of 19,096 to their feet, most of them recording with cell phones.

All four of Messi's appearances with Inter Miami have come in the Leagues Cup, a tournament that pits all MLS and Liga MX teams against each other. The regular season will resume in two weeks.

Cremaschi also scored the decisive penalty kick in a 5-3 tiebreak that ended in favour of Miami, which will play the winner of Monday night's match between Houston Dynamo and Charlotte FC.

Facundo Quignon, Bernard Kamungo and Alan Velasco scored for Dallas, which held leads of 3-1 and 4-2 before losing their grip on the match. Paxton Pomykal was the only penalty-taker to miss, skying FC Dallas' second kick over the crossbar.

With inputs from AP/PTI, Reuters