In a historic moment that will be etched in the annals of Major League Soccer, soccer legend Lionel Messi showcased his brilliance during his much-anticipated debut with Inter Miami, leaving fans awestruck with his extraordinary performance.
The Leagues Cup match between Inter Miami and Mexican side Cruz Azul at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, witnessed a spectacle that only the world’s top player could orchestrate. With the match finely poised at 1-1 in the dying moments of the second half, Messi stepped up to take a crucial free-kick from outside the box. Demonstrating unparalleled finesse and skill, he effortlessly curled the ball into the net, securing a stunning 2-1 victory for Inter Miami.
After the game, a composed Messi shared his thoughts during an interview with the Apple TV broadcast, stating, “When I saw the free-kick opportunity, I knew I had to seize it. Scoring in such a crucial moment was vital to avoid penalties and gain confidence for the team in this new tournament.”
The Leagues Cup, an annual tournament that traditionally features MLS and Liga MX teams, received an exciting expansion this year, encompassing all teams from both leagues. Messi’s presence on the field added a touch of grandeur to the already electrifying competition.
Only months after leading Argentina to World Cup glory, Messi made his entrance in the 54th minute of the game, with Inter Miami already holding a slender 1-0 lead. However, Cruz Azul fought back, equalizing in the 65th minute, setting the stage for Messi’s heroics later in the game.
It wasn’t until the 94th minute that Messi’s moment of magic materialized, putting a fairytale ending to his debut and igniting celebrations among the fans and his teammates alike.
Inter Miami co-owner and football icon, David Beckham, expressed his elation after the match, stating, “Witnessing Leo’s free-kick brilliance felt like destiny. When you have players of Leo and Sergio Busquets’ caliber on the field, magic is bound to happen. This victory is not only special for us as a team but also for the entire country and the league. A moment of immense pride for all of us.”
The star-studded event saw luminaries from various fields gracing the stands, including David Beckham himself, NBA superstar LeBron James, tennis champion Serena Williams, and celebrity icon Kim Kardashian, who came together to witness the genius of Lionel Messi.
Inter Miami’s journey in the Leagues Cup continues with a captivating group stage match against MLS rivals Atlanta United on Tuesday, where fans eagerly await another display of Messi’s mesmerizing talents.
