The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner had a dream start for David Beckham's MLS side, with superstar athletes like LeBron James and Serena Williams among others watching. The former Barcelona and Paris St-Germain star delivered a perfect performance, converting an injury-time set-piece to secure a thrilling 2-1 victory.
Lionel Messi celebrates his late winner for Inter Miami after scoring a stoppage-time free-kick on his debut.
Lionel Messi made a sensational start to his Inter Miami career, with the Argentinian magician sealing his debut with a breathtaking free-kick winner against Cruz Azul in the closing moments of stoppage time.
After seven months since winning the World Cup, all eyes in the footballing world were focused on Florida as the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner took to the field for his highly awaited first appearance.
Messi's long-awaited Miami debut proved to be worth the years of anticipation. In a thrilling Leagues Cup match, after Robert Taylor's impressive opening goal was equalized by Uriel Antuna, the 36-year-old superstar struck a dramatic last-minute free-kick to secure a memorable 2-1 victory at DRV PNK Stadium.
Amid the post-game celebrations, Messi expressed his focus on the goal in an on-field interview, stating, "I saw the goal. I knew that I had to score. It was the last play of the game, and I wanted to score so I didn't go to penalties."
The jubilant Inter Miami fans were overjoyed as Messi's incredible moment sealed their triumph. Coach Tata Martino, who had previously managed Messi at Barcelona, commented, "It's a movie that we have seen before," alluding to the Argentine's ability to conjure such unforgettable moments on the pitch.
The night concluded with a dream-like ending, drawing fans of all ages adorned in 'Messi 10' shirts. The sold-out and eagerly anticipating crowd included prominent figures like LeBron James, Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian, and, notably, Inter Miami owner David Beckham.
In pictures: Messi magic
How Messi Delivered a Glorious Moment for Struggling Miami
The proud Miami co-owner, David Beckham, watched on from a box next to the dugout as the early exchanges made for uncomfortable viewing, with Miami looking every bit the bottom side of the Eastern Conference.
However, Inter Miami rode out the early storm and took the lead just before the break when Robert Taylor's exquisite low strike found the net off the post, much to Messi's delight.
Throughout the match, Messi received cheers from the crowd and received a rapturous reception when he was brought on in the 54th minute, taking the armband as Sergio Busquets also made his debut.
Jordi Alba has also signed up to join their former Barcelona boss Tata Martino in Miami, but there remains work to do, and that was evident as Cruz Azul deservedly equalized through Uriel Antuna.
The Mexican team could have easily secured a victory as the clock wound down, but this night belonged to Messi.
In stoppage time, the 36-year-old won a free-kick, and there was an air of inevitability before he sent the resulting set piece into the top left-hand corner, igniting a display of fireworks in celebration.
This was a significant moment for Major League Soccer and a momentous night for North American football, 48 years after Pele's New York Cosmos debut and 16 years to the day since Beckham made his LA Galaxy debut.
Throughout the match, Messi's name was chanted by excited fans as the hosts initially struggled against Cruz Azul, who toyed with Miami. Carlos Rotondi even sent an early effort off the post during that early barrage.
Miami provided little resistance initially, but a moment of brilliance changed the course of the game after a break to attend to Ian Fray's unfortunate injury.
Robbie Robinson's skillful diagonal pass located Robert Taylor in a high and wide position on the left side, where the Finnish international expertly cut inside, creating space and unleashing a powerful low right-footed shot that found the back of the net off the far post.
As the stadium erupted, Messi celebrated on his feet and prepared to enter the field. Finally, in the 54th minute, the much-anticipated moment arrived, and Messi stepped onto the pitch.
As the Argentina skipper, Benjamin Cremaschi, made way, Lionel Messi jogged onto the field amid a resounding roar and proudly assumed the captain's armband. Former Barcelona teammate, Busquets, and Josef Martinez also joined him as part of an exciting triple substitution.
Every time Messi touched the ball, the atmosphere became electric, but the Mexican visitors continued to create opportunities and eventually equalized in the 65th minute. Antuna received the ball dangerously, and Miami's goalkeeper, Drake Callender, was unable to stop his powerful strike.
Messi displayed moments of brilliance, skill, and composure as the game swung from end to end, with both teams vying for a winner. Callender denied Ignacio Rivero, and there were tense moments as the intense clash continued. Messi was threaded through by Busquets, but his shot was blocked.
Martinez appeared to have secured the victory, but Messi had wandered offside before receiving the pass, and at the other end, Callender made a brilliant stop against Christian Tabo.
The match seemed destined for a penalty shootout, but Messi had different plans. After being fouled by Carlos Salcedo, he had a chance for an unforgettable finish, and the debutant delivered a thrilling final blow.
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