Lionel Messi made a rousing debut for Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami as he scored a stoppage-time winner to beat Liga MX’s Cruz Azul 2-1 on Friday of their Leagues Cup opener in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Messi drew a foul about 25 yards from purpose within the dying seconds and stepped as much as ship what everybody got here to see as his free kick sailed into the highest left nook and despatched the group into delirium.
INTER MIAMI vs CRUZ AZUL HIGHLIGHTS
After the purpose, Messi ran towards the fitting nook of the sector together with his arms unfold extensive after which headed to the sidelines on the opposite aspect the place he shared a hug together with his household.
“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,” Messi mentioned on the printed by means of a translator.
“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.”
With four-times NBA champion LeBron James, tennis nice Serena Williams and actuality tv star Kim Kardashian amongst these within the sold-out crowd, Messi entered the sport as a second-half substitute to a rousing ovation with Miami forward 1-0.
Messi was launched as “the world’s number 10” when he got here into the sport within the 54th minute, slipped the captain’s armband on his left arm and despatched the group right into a frenzy every time he touched the ball.
The seven-times Ballon d’Or winner didn’t take lengthy to make his presence felt as he eluded some Cruz Azul defenders and led an assault down the fitting aspect, certainly one of many probabilities he created on the night time.
‘DREAM COME TRUE’
At one level, Messi ran right into a Cruz Azul participant within the field and fell to the bottom and whereas his staff and supporters needed a penalty the referee instantly wagged his finger, denying the Argentine an opportunity at a spot kick.
The 36-year-old then arrange what seemed to be the successful purpose within the 89th minute however Martinez, who tapped the ball into the online, was dominated offside.
But Messi, seven months faraway from main Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, obtained his probability to shine as soon as once more.
“As soon as I saw the free kick given I thought this is the way it’s meant to end,” mentioned Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham. “It’s so exciting tonight for our fans. All of these people that have come down here to see Leo just step on the pitch, let alone just do what he’s done.
“It’s a dream come true for everybody in this stadium and everybody around this country to see Leo step into the MLS and perform and I don’t have many words for that.”
Messi’s Miami debut coincidentally got here 16 years to the day after Beckham performed his first sport for MLS aspect LA Galaxy.
The euphoria over Messi’s arrival in South Florida reached a fever pitch as eating places are providing food and drinks choices named after him whereas murals depicting his likeness have popped up throughout Miami.
It has been a whirlwind week for Messi, whose arrival at MLS is a big enhance for the profile of soccer within the United States, which is able to co-host the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada.
Messi’s 2-1/2 yr contract with Miami was made official final Saturday. A day later he was launched to the membership’s supporters at a glitzy welcome social gathering, and on Tuesday he took half in his first full coaching session with the membership.
Inter Miami closes out the two-game group stage on Tuesday when it hosts Atlanta United with hopes of advancing to the knockout phases of the Leagues Cup, which is a World Cup-style match that includes all groups from MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com