Lionel Messi started his Inter Miami profession with a bang because the Argentinian magician ended his debut with a surprising free-kick winner towards Cruz Azul deep in stoppage time.
Seven months on from lifting the World Cup, the eyes of the footballing world had been educated on Florida because the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner made his eagerly anticipated first look.
Messi’s Miami debut has been years within the making and proved effectively definitely worth the wait.
After Robert Taylor’s wonderful opener was cancelled out by Uriel Antuna, the 36-year-old struck on the demise to ship DRV PNK Stadium delirious and seal an unforgettable 2-1 Leagues Cup win.
It was the dream finish to a night that attracted followers of all ages in ‘Messi 10’ shirts, with stars like LeBron James, Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian and, after all, David Beckham amongst these within the sold-out, expectant crowd.
The proud Miami co-owner watched on from a field subsequent to the dugout, the place the early exchanges made for uncomfortable viewing as Miami seemed each bit the Japanese Convention’s backside facet.
Inter rode out that early storm and took the lead simply earlier than the break as Taylor’s beautiful low strike went in off the submit to Messi’s delight.
The ahead was cheered all through and obtained a rapturous reception when introduced on within the 54th minute, taking the armband as Sergio Busquets additionally got here on for his debut.
Jordi Alba has additionally signed as much as be a part of their former Barcelona boss Tata Martino in Miami, however there stays work to do and that was clear as Cruz Azul deservedly levelled via Antuna.
The Mexicans may simply have gained it because the clock wound down, however this was Messi’s evening.
The 36-year-old gained a free-kick deep in stoppage time and there was an air of inevitability earlier than he despatched the ensuing set piece into the highest left-hand nook as fireworks crammed the air.
This was an enormous second for Main League Soccer and momentous evening for North American soccer, 48 years on from Pele’s New York Cosmos bow and 16 years to the day since Beckham made his LA Galaxy debut.
Messi’s title was chanted by excited followers via a match that the hosts started in ragged style as Cruz Azul toyed with the hosts. Carlos Rotondi despatched an early effort off the submit throughout that early barrage.
Miami supplied treasured little in return however – following a break to take care of Ian Fray’s nasty-looking harm – a second of magic lit up the sport.
Robbie Robinson’s diagonal cross discovered Taylor excessive and huge on the left, with the Finland worldwide slicing inside, making area and slamming a low right-footed shot in off the far submit.
Messi was on his ft celebrating and shortly gearing to return on, with the massive second finally arriving within the 54th minute.
Benjamin Cremaschi made means because the Argentina skipper jogged on to an enormous roar and took the captain’s armband. Former Barca team-mate Busquets and Josef Martinez joined him as a part of an thrilling triple substitutions.
There was an electrical ambiance at any time when Messi touched the ball however the Mexican guests had been nonetheless making alternatives and drew stage within the sixty fifth minute.
El primer gol de Messi con Inter Miami
Messi scores in his first match with the membership to provide us the lead within the 94th minute. pic.twitter.com/pI7bYjEK63
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 22, 2023
Antuna collected the ball in a harmful and Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender was unable to take care of his drilled strike.
Messi confirmed flashes of high quality, talent and poise as play swung from finish to finish with each side searching for a winner.
Ignacio Rivero was denied Callender and there have been a number of furry moments as this helter-skelter conflict continued, with Messi threaded via by Busquets solely to see a shot blocked.
Martinez seemed to have gained it however Messi had strayed effectively offside earlier than passing it and on the different finish Christian Tabo was brilliantly stopped by Callender.
Play was set to finish in a penalty shoot-out however Messi had different concepts.
Fouled by Carlos Salcedo, it arrange the prospect for an unforgettable end and the debutant delivered an exhilarating remaining blow.
