Iconic Moment For Lionel Messi As He Scores A Sensational Free-Kick To Clinch A 2-1 Win For Inter Miami Over Cruz Azul In MLS. {WATCH VIDEO}
Lionel Messi started his Inter Miami career in dramatic fashion, offering yet another memorable moment in what was a debut of dreams to American soccer.
The Argentinian superstar made his long-awaited first appearance for his new club at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
It was clear in the celebrities that lined the pitch, some of the most recognizable faces in sports and entertainment, ready for the Messi's debut moment, and in the crowds were some fans donning the Argentina kits, as the Major League Soccer (MLS) will hope this proves to be a seminal moment in the growth of the game in the country.
Among the stars that were out in force for the game was David Beckham who occupied the owner's box. Media personality Kim Kardashian was seen entering the stadium. Tennis legend Serena Williams watched eagerly from the sideline. American singer Marc Anthony, YouTuber Speedy HQ, former Man City's and Argentine teammate Sergio Agüero, Football quarterback Tom Brady, And before the game, one men's sporting legend hugged another, as basketball star LeBron James and Messi shared a moment prior to kickoff.
Both teams had their chances in the early stages, with Cruz Azul hitting the post and Inter Miami peppering the visitors' goal. The home side were rewarded for their pressure, with Finland's midfielder Robert Taylor pinging a shot in off the post to give his side the lead on the stroke of halftime (44 mins).
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was introduced into the game shortly after the break as he struggled to make an impact after coming on with Cruz Azul the better team for large periods of the game.
David Ruiz '19' and Benjamin Cremaschi '18' were the players to make way for Messi and his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquet in the 53rd minute, and Martinez also comes on for Campana.
LIONEL MESSI IS HERE.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 22, 2023
He checks in for #InterMiamiCF
🎥 @MLS pic.twitter.com/eiRYVYjLSW
With Miami winning 1-0 at the time, opponents Cruz Azul soon scored a leveller in the 65th minute through 26-year-old Mexican winger Uriel Antuna.
The visitors still had their moments, and forced goalkeeper Drake Callender into a handful of neat saves. Messi or not, there might be problems to come.
Messi didn't have a great deal of influence as Inter Miami struggled to get control of the game and when a goal he set up was ruled out for offside it seemed the chances of a dream start were over.
The home side were badly exposed at times despite Messi's presence, often beneficiaries of Cruz Azul's poor finishing.
But the Argentine World Cup winner needed just one last chance to deliver some magic and duly delivered in another iconic moment which happened in the 90+3 minute after a free kick was awarded to Inter Miami at the edge of the box (at about 20 yards out) as Messi is fouled after a pass intended to him from Yedlin.
The 36-year-old holds his face and is down in pain. But gets back on his feet quickly to take the free kick, curling his effort with his golden left foot into the top corner, giving his new club a breathtaking 2-1 win over their Mexican counterparts in the Leagues Cup.
It was his 700 non-penalty goals in his professional football career, and remains the only player to achieve that feat.
The stunning moment left co-owner David Beckham shaking his head in disbelief and looked visibly emotional in the stands. It marked a dream start to the big-money move which the former England international was finally able to broker at his MLS franchise.
LIONEL ANDRÉS MESSI IS NOT HUMAN. pic.twitter.com/2mBDI41mLy
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 22, 2023
Messi was further embraced by Beckham as he left the pitch to a standing ovation and cheers from adoring fans.
Breaking down his incredible strike on Apple TV after the game, Messi said via a translator: “What I saw was the goal. I saw the goal, I knew I had to score. It was the last play of the game, and I wanted to score so we didn’t go to penalties.
“It was very important for us to get this win because in the tournament it’s going to give us confidence moving forward.”
The Messi experience has arrived. 🐐
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 22, 2023
Rewind all the moments from an @InterMiamiCF debut to remember! pic.twitter.com/wjhBbT9kaZ
READ MORE: Man United Announces The Signing Of Andre Onana From Inter Milan.
Inter Miami are bottom of the MLS' eastern conference by some distance. Tata Martino's squad find themselves 12 points out of playoff contention with 10 games to play.
They hadn't won a game against a top-flight team since beating New England Revolution on May 13.
Though they are reportedly set to sign Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta among those mentioned, as they look to build a team of runners assembled around Messi in order to get the most out of him.
Speaking of new signings, Inter Miami have already announced one, with Jordi Alba set to join the side in the coming days.
The Spaniard would be an invaluable addition for the club. Already short at the back, they lost Ian Fray to injury. And although his substitute, Noah Allen, performed admirably, a full-back of Alba's quality can only help better.
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