Lionel Messi began his Inter Miami career with a bang as the Argentinian magician ended his debut with a sensational last-minute free-kick to earn his side a 2-1 victory against Cruz Azul.
Seven months on from lifting the World Cup, the eyes of the footballing world were trained on Florida as the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner made his eagerly anticipated first appearance.
Lionel Messi was introduced shortly after the break with his team winning 1-0 but opponent Cruz Azul soon scored a leveller.
LIONEL ANDRÉS MESSI IS NOT HUMAN. pic.twitter.com/2mBDI41mLy
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 22, 2023
They looked on course to share the spoils before Messi was fouled just outside the box and won a free-kick in stoppage time.
And he duly stepped up and curled the ball right into the top corner to win the game in a fairytale start to his career in the United States.
The stunning moment left co-owner David Beckham looking emotional in the stands.
“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.
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“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.”
The stars were out in force for the game with LeBron James, Kim Kardashian and Serena Williams amongst those watching on from the stands.
