Messi scores stunning late free-kick on Inter Miami debut

Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated debut for Inter Miami turned into a fairytale moment as the Argentine maestro sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.

The DRV PNK Stadium was buzzing with excitement as fans witnessed the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner showcase his magic on the pitch.

The World Cup winner’s arrival in Florida had been eagerly awaited for years, and he did not disappoint. After an excellent opener from Robert Taylor was cancelled out by Uriel Antuna, all eyes were on Messi to deliver a moment of brilliance.

The Messi experience has arrived. 🐐

Rewind all the moments from an @InterMiamiCF debut to remember! pic.twitter.com/wjhBbT9kaZ

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 22, 2023

Deep into stoppage time, with the score tied at 1-1, Messi stepped up to take a stunning free-kick that found the back of the net, sending the home crowd into delirium and securing a memorable victory for Inter Miami.

In an on-field interview after the game, Messi expressed his determination to score the winning goal, saying, “I saw the goal. I knew that I had to score. It was the last play of the game, and I wanted to score so I didn’t go to penalties.”

Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino, who previously managed Messi at Barcelona, likened the moment to a movie they had seen before, acknowledging the star’s ability to deliver in crucial situations.

The evening attracted a star-studded audience, with celebrities like LeBron James, Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian, and Inter Miami owner David Beckham present to witness Messi’s historic debut.

Messi’s arrival has undoubtedly brought a new level of excitement and anticipation to Inter Miami, and fans are eagerly looking forward to seeing more of his magic on the pitch in the coming games.