Leagues Cup's best goals of the week - ranked

The inaugural edition of Leagues Cup has seen some phenomenal action, paving the way for spectacular goals. 

World Cup champion Lionel Messi, who joined Inter Miami just weeks ago, is already making an impact with seven goals in just four games. But his recent free kick against FC Dallas to equalize the round of 16 match is the one to watch. 

Elsewhere, Alex Matan scored a stunner for Columbus Crew and Liga MX favorite Andre-Pierre Gignac showed his quality against the Vancouver Whitecaps to earn a place on this list. 

Here are our goals of the week:

5. Corey Baird (vs. Charlotte FC)

Before things went downhill for the Dynamo, Corey Baird delivered a stunning goal to earn the lead. The Texas team ended up losing 2-1 with an own goal to hand themselves the Leagues Cup elimination, but Baird can still take a bow for this one.

4. Andre-Pierre Gignac (vs. Vancouver Whitecaps)

It had to be him. Tigres’ number 10 thrived against the Vancouver Whitecaps, scoring from within the box in a dramatic fashion. His equalizer propelled the match to penalties, where the Liga MX triumphed 5-3 to earn a spot in the tournament’s quarterfinal.  

3. Alexandru Matan (vs. Minnesota United)

Though the Columbus Crew eventually lost in penaltis to end their Leagues Cup run, they’ll always have Matan’s goal to look back on. His stunning strike to reach the upper right corner of the net was a sight to see. 

The midfielder will be back in action for the second half of the 2023 MLS season, and we’ll be sure to keep an eye out after that goal. 

2. Carlos Vela (vs. FC Juarez)

A goal like that, it had to be Carlos Vela. The Mexican player did not shy away from the goal against FC Juarez, scoring twice to inspire the incredible 7-1 triumph. But it’s his second strike that earns a place on this list, after the forward curled in a perfectly timed, left-footed shot to reach the upper left corner. 

There was no stopping that goal. 

1. Lionel Messi (vs. FC Dallas)

He’s at it again! Lionel Messi just cannot stop scoring for Inter Miami. 

The player managed another stunning free-kick goal to equalize the game against FC Dallas and force penalties before clinching the quarterfinals spot. He’s already had a huge impact on the South Florida side in just four games, there’s no telling what he will accomplish with the Herons. 

But other teams should be afraid.