With all the pomp and circumstance one would expect from the finest player in the world, Lionel Messi made his debut for his new Major League Soccer side, Inter Miami. It was one of the most impressive combos we’ve seen in a long time. The Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX (Mexican League) have expanded their annual tournament, the Leagues Cup, to include every club from both leagues this year.
Just a few months after winning the World Cup with Argentina, Messi entered the game in the 54th minute with Inter Miami leading 1-0. The final tally had not changed. After Cruz Azul tied the game in the 65th minute, Messi scored the game-winning goal.
Messi’s goal against Cruz Azul, a Mexican team, came late in the second half of their Leagues Cup match. Inter Miami won 2-1 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida’s DRV PNK Stadium, thanks to his spectacular free-kick strike from outside the box. He succeeded in reaching the perfect part of the game, scoring a goal in the 94th minute, capping off his debut in legendary fashion after a series of near misses.
As soon I saw the free kick given, I thought this is the way it’s meant to win, especially when you have players like Leo and Sergio (Busquets) on the pitch; […] this is such a special night for us, for our family, for everyone that’s in this stadium, for you guys. It is such a moment for this country, It’s such a moment for this league, and it’s a very proud moment for us, stated Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.
Undoubtedly, it was a match to remember and to set the bar even higher for the next events! On Tuesday (July 25), Inter Miami will host Atlanta United in a Leagues Cup group-stage match. The match will be played against a side from the Major League Soccer (MLS).
Several famous people, including David Beckham, Serena Williams, LeBron James, and Kim Kardashian, were in attendance to see the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner play.