In a thrilling match, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner made a dream start for David Beckham’s MLS team. With renowned sports stars like LeBron James and Serena Williams in attendance, the former Barcelona and Paris St-Germain star secured a 2-1 victory with a goal from an injury-time set-piece.
Lionel Messi scored a sensational free-kick winner in his debut for Inter Miami against Cruz Azul.
In July, the football world watched eagerly as the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner made his long-awaited debut after winning the World Cup.
The long-awaited Miami debut of Messi proved to be worth the wait.
In a thrilling Leagues Cup match, a late goal by a 36-year-old player secured a memorable 2-1 victory for his team at DRV PNK Stadium.
“What I saw was the goal,” Messi said in an on-field interview amid the post-game celebrations. “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.”
Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino, who managed Messi at Barcelona, said: “It’s a movie that we have seen before.”
It was the dream end to an evening that attracted fans of all ages in ‘Messi 10’ shirts, with stars like LeBron James, Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian and, of course, Inter Miami owner David Beckham among those in the sold-out, expectant crowd.
The proud Miami co-owner was observing the game from a box near the dugout. However, it was uncomfortable for them to watch as Miami, being the last-ranked team in the Eastern Conference, struggled in the early stages of the match.
Inter rode out that early storm and took the lead just before the break as Taylor’s exquisite low strike went in off the post to Messi’s delight.
The forward was cheered throughout and received a rapturous reception when brought on in the 54th minute, taking the armband as Sergio Busquets also came on for 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 clear as Cruz Azul deservedly levelled through Antuna.
The Mexicans could easily have won it as the clock wound down, but this was Messi’s night.
In the last moments of the match, messi scored a sensational goal from a free-kick, sparking jubilation among the crowd.
Major League Soccer experienced a significant milestone in North American football, coinciding with Pele’s debut for the New York Cosmos 48 years ago and David Beckham’s debut for the LA Galaxy 16 years ago.
In the match, Messi’s name was chanted by enthusiastic fans as the hosts struggled initially against Cruz Azul. Carlos Rotondi came close to scoring with an early shot off the post.
Miami struggled to offer much in return during the match until a stunning moment of brilliance illuminated the game, after a pause to address an injury sustained by Ian Fray.
In a remarkable display of skill and precision, Robbie Robinson’s diagonal pass set up Taylor for a powerful goal. Taylor expertly cut inside from the left side and unleashed a low right-footed shot that found the back of the net off the far post.
Messi was on his feet celebrating and soon gearing to come on, with the big moment eventually arriving in the 54th minute.
Benjamin Cremaschi made way as the Argentina skipper jogged on to a huge roar and took the captain’s armband. Former Barca team-mate Busquets and Josef Martinez joined him as part of an exciting triple substitutions.
The atmosphere intensified whenever Messi had the ball. However, the Mexican visitors capitalized on their chances and equalized in the 65th minute.
Antuna’s fierce strike proved to be too much for Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender to handle, resulting in a dangerous situation for the opposing team.
In a thrilling match, Messi displayed his brilliance with moments of skill and elegance as both teams relentlessly pursued victory.
Ignacio Rivero was denied Callender and there were a few hairy moments as this helter-skelter clash continued, with Messi threaded through by Busquets only to see a shot blocked.
In the match, Martinez appeared to score a goal, but Messi was offside before passing the ball. Additionally, Callender made a fantastic save when Christian Tabo attempted to score.
Play was set to end in a penalty shoot-out but Messi had other ideas.
Fouled by Carlos Salcedo, it set up the chance for an unforgettable finish and the debutant delivered a thrilling final blow.
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