Lionel Messi the football legend, made a spectacular debut for Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami on Friday, leaving fans in awe as he scored a stoppage-time winner to secure a 2-1 victory against Liga MX’s Cruz Azul in their Leagues Cup opener in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The anticipation was palpable as Messi, wearing the iconic number 10 jersey, entered the game as a second-half substitute to a thunderous ovation from the sold-out crowd, which included celebrities like LeBron James, Serena Williams, and Kim Kardashian. With Miami already leading 1-0, the arrival of the seven-times Ballon d’Or winner electrified the atmosphere, and every touch of the ball was met with roars of excitement.
In the dying moments of the match, Messi drew a crucial foul about 25 yards from goal. Demonstrating his unrivaled skill and composure, he took the free kick with perfection, sending the ball soaring into the top left corner of the net, igniting euphoria among the fans. As the stadium erupted, Messi celebrated by running towards the right corner of the field, arms outstretched, before sharing an emotional hug with his family on the sidelines.
Speaking after the match, Messi expressed the significance of his winning goal, stating, “I knew I had to score, it was the last play of the game, and I had to score so we didn’t go to penalties. It was very important for us to get this win because it’s a new tournament, and it’s going to give us confidence moving forward.”
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham, himself an iconic figure in the soccer world, was effusive in his praise for Messi’s debut, calling it a “dream come true” for fans in the stadium and across the country. Messi’s arrival in the MLS comes 16 years after Beckham’s own debut for LA Galaxy, marking another momentous occasion in the league’s history.
The excitement surrounding Messi’s arrival has been immense, with the city of Miami buzzing with enthusiasm. Restaurants have created special menus named after him, and murals showcasing his likeness have appeared throughout the city. This enthusiasm is a testament to Messi’s global appeal and the significant boost his presence brings to soccer’s popularity in the United States, which is set to co-host the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada.
Messi’s debut performance sets the stage for more thrilling moments as Inter Miami progresses through the Leagues Cup. The team aims to secure a spot in the knockout stages of the tournament, which features all teams from MLS and Liga MX in a World Cup-style format. With Messi leading the way, soccer enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the next chapter of this extraordinary journey.
