For his debut with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi scored a gem of a free kick in added time to give his team victory against Cruz Azul (2-1).
He couldn’t have asked for more! Lionel Messi made a perfect debut with Inter Miami on Friday night in a League Cup match (a competition between MLS clubs and the Mexican championship) against Cruz Azul.
The Argentine No. 10 came into play in the 53rd minute, at the same time as Sergio Busquets, while his team led the score after the nice strike from the Finn Robert Taylor (44th). The new Florida captain quickly witnessed the equalization of the Mexicans, on a powerful shot from Uriel Antuna (65th). But it was written that Messi would be the hero of the evening.
After delivering a decisive pass on a goal disallowed for offside (86th), the seven-time Ballon d’Or was offered the ideal opportunity to make an impression: a free kick in added time. Messi was alone behind the ball, and the 2022 world champion did not miss the target, rolling his shot over the wall to deposit the leather in the skylight (2-1, 90th + 4).
INCREDIBLE!!!! 🐐 https://t.co/fEhhXSZRAx
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 22, 2023
Messi’s goal immediately went around the world, because MLS has the good taste to broadcast the “highligths” of its matches for free, which Ligue 1 could well take inspiration from.
Messi received live congratulations from LeBron James, who was present at the stadium, as did Serena Williams and of course Inter Miami owner David Beckham. Other US sports superstars, like Patrick Mahomes (NFL), immediately relayed the jewel of the Argentinian, who definitely did not miss his first steps on North American soil.
