Home Football Lionel Messi Scores Winning Goal in Inter Miami Debut Against Cruz Azul

Lionel Messi Scores Winning Goal in Inter Miami Debut Against Cruz Azul

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Lionel Messi Inter Miami Debut

Messi, former Barcelona star and four-time UEFA Champions League winner, now playing for Inter Miami

In a dramatic stoppage-time moment, Argentina’s Lionel Messi scored a brilliant free-kick for Inter Miami in his debut match, securing a 2-1 victory over Cruz Azul from Mexico.

At age 36, Messi delivered the decisive goal in the fourth minute of added time, leading his Major League Soccer team to a Leagues Cup win.

Famous figures like basketball icon LeBron James, tennis great Serena Williams, and television celebrity Kim Kardashian were part of the 20,000-strong crowd.

“We wanted to kick off by delivering a victory for these fans,” Messi stated. “Starting this championship with a win was crucial for us. Thankfully, we pulled it off at the end, and I’m overjoyed.”

Meet Messi’s New Teammates at Inter Miami

To celebrate Messi’s goal, pink smoke bombs – matching Miami’s team color – were set off behind the net at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Some supporters invaded the pitch, only to be escorted away by security.

The festive mood continued from Sunday when Messi was officially presented to the South Florida fans.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner trained with his new teammates for the first time on Tuesday, following his transition to MLS after his Paris St-Germain contract ended.

After leaving Barcelona, Messi scored 32 goals in 75 games during a two-year stint with the French team. Despite lucrative offers from other countries, he chose to play in the US.

A banner was unveiled by fans to welcome Messi to the “Inter Miami family”.

This marked Messi’s first appearance for a non-European club. He was joined on the field by former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets, part of a triple substitution in the 54th minute.

Jordi Alba, Spain’s defender and another ex-Barcelona player, has also joined Inter Miami, and will be eligible to play against Atlanta United in the Leagues Cup on Tuesday.

The cup contest between MLS and Mexico’s LIGA MX teams presents a fresh opportunity for Inter Miami, currently at the bottom of the MLS table without a win in 11 games.

Messi was amongst the first to celebrate Robert Taylor’s 44th-minute opening goal for the home team, but Cruz Azul’s Uriel Antuna equalized with 25 minutes left.

However, the Argentine World Cup champion ensured a Hollywood-style ending by earning a free-kick just outside the box in the dying moments, perfectly within his legendary left foot’s range. Messi curled the ball high and to the right of goalie Andres Gudino, into the top corner.

“It’s immensely satisfying to secure this first victory given our league performance,” Messi expressed. “Starting with wins is crucial, not only for this championship, but also to boost our confidence.”

David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami and former MLS player for Los Angeles Galaxy, watched Messi’s debut from an executive box.

Beckham was grinning widely at the final whistle, which marked the 16th anniversary of his own MLS debut with the LA Galaxy. “Honestly, I thought ‘this is how it’s supposed to end’ when the free-kick was given,” the 48-year-old said. “It’s thrilling for our fans to see Leo not just step onto the pitch, but perform as he has. It’s a dream come true for everyone here, and a significant moment for this league and country.”

Inter Miami celebrated their first win in 12 games as Messi shared a warm hug with his family members, marking the end of his match-winning debut.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lionel Messi Inter Miami Debut

When did Lionel Messi make his debut for Inter Miami?

Lionel Messi made his debut for Inter Miami in July 2023.

Who did Inter Miami play against in Messi’s debut match?

In Lionel Messi’s debut match, Inter Miami played against Cruz Azul, a Mexican side.

How did Lionel Messi perform in his Inter Miami debut?

In his debut match for Inter Miami, Lionel Messi scored a spectacular stoppage-time free-kick, clinching a 2-1 victory against Cruz Azul.

What was the result of Lionel Messi’s debut match for Inter Miami?

Inter Miami won the match against Cruz Azul with a scoreline of 2-1, largely due to Lionel Messi’s fantastic stoppage-time free-kick.

Which famous personalities were present at Messi’s debut match for Inter Miami?

Basketball’s LeBron James, tennis legend Serena Williams, and US TV star Kim Kardashian were among the celebrities present at Messi’s debut match for Inter Miami.

Who are the other significant players at Inter Miami?

Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, former teammates of Messi at Barcelona, have also joined Inter Miami.

What was the reaction of Inter Miami’s co-owner David Beckham to Messi’s debut?

David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, was thrilled with Messi’s performance, describing it as a “dream come true” for everyone in the stadium and a significant moment for the league and the country.

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8 comments

SergioBusquetsFan July 22, 2023 - 8:30 am

nice to see busquets and messi together again. hoping for some great games ahead.

Reply
BeckhamFanGirl July 22, 2023 - 11:29 am

Beckham’s grin at the end though…priceless! He knows what messi brings to the table. this is huge for MLS!

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GoalKeeperDoomed July 22, 2023 - 7:59 pm

that free-kick of messi, a nightmare for every goalkeeper out there… the guy’s still got the magic!

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LIGAMXfan July 22, 2023 - 10:35 pm

not the best day for Cruz Azul. but gotta admit messi is a class act. congrats inter Miami.

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MiamiMan July 23, 2023 - 2:37 am

was at the game last nite. Atmosphere was crazy! celebs all over. Seeing messi score was a dream come true.

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Barca4Life July 23, 2023 - 3:25 am

missin’ Messi in barca colors, but happy to see him killing it in MLS. Kudos!

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SoccerFan123 July 23, 2023 - 4:37 am

wow! messi still got it… 36 and still scorin’ epic free kicks. Inter Miami is lucky to have him.

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UnitedFan1990 July 23, 2023 - 5:06 am

can’t wait to see messi play against Atlanta United next. gonna be a cracker!

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