Lionel Messi’s Late Winner Marks Sensational Inter Miami Debut
In a thrilling turn of events, Lionel Messi made a stunning impact on his debut for Inter Miami, scoring a dramatic late winner against Mexican team Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup. The Argentine maestro, widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, was unveiled as an Inter Miami player just a week ago, after club owner David Beckham’s years of persistent pursuit finally came to fruition.
The DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was filled with excitement as a capacity crowd of 21,000, including sporting icons like LeBron James and Serena Williams, eagerly awaited Messi’s first appearance for the MLS team. He came off the bench as captain in the second half, and with only a minute left on the clock, he delivered an unforgettable moment that sent the crowd into raptures.
The moment we’ve been waiting for.
Welcome to the show, Lionel Messi. pic.twitter.com/3NYCnVOpx9
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 22, 2023
The crucial goal came from a perfectly executed free-kick from around 25 yards out, gracefully sailing into the top left corner of the net, leaving the opposition goalkeeper with no chance. The victory sparked jubilant celebrations on and off the pitch, as Messi ran towards the corner to embrace his family, who were present to witness the historic moment.
El primer gol de Messi con Inter Miami 🤯🤯👏👏
Messi scores in his first match with the club to give us the lead in the 94th minute. pic.twitter.com/pI7bYjEK63
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 22, 2023
Speaking through a translator after the game, Messi expressed the importance of the victory, especially in a new tournament, stating that it would boost the team’s confidence moving forward. For Inter Miami, this victory comes as a much-needed morale boost, considering their current struggles in the MLS, grappling with an 11-game losing streak that has left them at the bottom of the league table.
David Beckham, who played a pivotal role in bringing Messi to Inter Miami, was effusive in his praise for the superstar’s performance. Beckham mentioned that witnessing Messi step onto the pitch and deliver such a spectacular display was a dream come true not only for the fans but for everyone involved with the club and the entire country.
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It’s no secret that Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has generated immense excitement and anticipation within the footballing world. The Argentine legend’s presence in the MLS is seen as a massive milestone for the league, elevating its global profile and attracting a broader audience.
Despite having spent the majority of his illustrious career with FC Barcelona, where he became an iconic figure, Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami was a bold move that has already started paying dividends for the club. With his extraordinary talent and match-winning abilities, he is poised to make a significant impact not only on the pitch but also in elevating the stature of the MLS.
As Lionel Messi continues to weave his magic on American soil, fans eagerly await more moments of brilliance from the footballing maestro. His debut goal for Inter Miami will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most memorable moments in the MLS, and it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Messi’s illustrious career.
