LIONEL Messi scored a last-gasp free-kick on his Inter Miami debut to snatch a dramatic win.
The Argentine great curled in a left-footed effort into the top corner to seal a 2-1 victory.
He climbed off the bench to make his debut in the second half of the Leagues Cup clash against Cruz Azul.
And, once again, he had the final say as has been the case so often in his career.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
Here’s how all the action unfolded…
Messi reacts
Lionel Messi was ecstatic after his game-winning goal.
Messi equalized in the dying minutes of the gameCredit: Reuters It was a dream start for the Argentine starCredit: Reuters Miami went mad after Messi’s game-winnerCredit: Reuters Who does Inter Miami play next?
Inter Miami will play Atlanta United in its next game.
Atlanta United are in seventh in the MLS standings, with 35 points.
Inter Miami are last in the standings, with only 18 points in 22 games played.
When does Inter Miami play next?
Inter Miami will next play on Tuesday, July 25.
It will be their second game in the League’s Cup.
The team will look to continue its winning ways after defeating Cruz Azul tonight.
In case you missed it…
Just in case you missed it, here’s Lionel Messi’s first goal for Inter Miami.
Messi magic, once again.
Messi scores game-winner in debut
Lionel Messi scored the game-winner in his first match with Inter Miami.
Messi checked in just minutes into the second half and made an instant impact, along with former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets.
Busquets and Messi continuously carved up Cruz Azul’s defense on the pitch.
In the last minute, Miami received a free-kick in his range and did the rest.
Game. Set. Match.
What a start for the Inter Miami Messi era.
Messi speaks
After the game, Messi spoke to the press.
Messi said: “We wanted to start with a win for the people who were there. It was important to get a winning start.
“I just had one last chance to try and score and luckily it went in.”
Messi also dedicated the win to Ian Fray who went off injured.
A lovely touch from the great man.
Messi taking it in
Messi is now soaking up the applause of his new, adoring public.
That winner is going to be played again, and again, and again.
Miami win
The crowd are going nuts here – Messi delivered, big time.
There’s even someone wearing a fake goat head holding up a Messi sign, It’s one of those nights.
Final score: Inter Miami 2 Cruz Azul 1
And that’s it.
Lionel Messi – who else – with a superb, last-gasp winner.
Inter Miami defeats Cruz Azul to start their League’s Cup.
Inter Miami 2 Cruz Azul 1
90+. Curled in superbly by Messi.
Who writes his scripts?
Absolutely unbelievable.
A superb, left-footed effort from 20 yards which left the keeper with no chance.
Just brilliant.
GOALLLL!!!! MESSIIIII!!!!!
Inter Miami 1 Cruz Azul 1
90+. Free-kick.
Bang in Messi territory.
Surely the last kick of normal time.
Inter Miami 1 Cruz Azul 1
90. We’re minutes away from penalties.
Into the dying moments now…
Inter Miami 1 Cruz Azul 1
89. We could be heading for penalties.
Some people are heading for the exits.
They clearly have no idea.
Inter Miami 1 Cruz Azul 1
88. Messi has been pretty special since coming on.
Every time he gets the ball, you feel something is going to happen.
The crowd will go home happy without a doubt.
Inter Miami 1 Cruz Azul 1
87. Lovely ball by Robert Taylor, finds Messi and he squares for Martinez who rolls in. But the offside flag is up.
A goal – at either end – is coming.
Inter Miami 1 Cruz Azul 1
85. Great link up, once again, between the two former Barcelona stars – Messi and Busquets.
Another sweet ball by the Spaniard and Messi almost got a shot away before being charged down.
These two should cause chaos in MLS once they’re up to speed.
Inter Miami 1 Cruz Azul 1
82. Eight minutes left of normal time.
Can Messi get the winner?
He just tried to win a penalty – Busquets lifted the ball into the box and Messi went down all too predictably.
No penalty.
Up you get, Leo.
Inter Miami 1 Cruz Azul 1
81. Cruz Azul aren’t going away, though.
The Mexicans have looked dangerous all night – just a shame they can’t finish.
Inter Miami 1 Cruz Azul 1
78. Great early signs for boss Tata Martino in what’s only his second game in charge.
Obviously it helps to have two absolute world-class talents at your disposal but their introduction has naturally given the whole team a life.
I wonder what Kim Kardashian thinks of Busquets’ range of passing.
Inter Miami 1 Cruz Azul 1
77. Lovely reverse pass by Messi sets Martinez free, but he can’t squeeze the ball in from a very tight angle.
The move was started by Busquets once again.
Inter Miami 1 Cruz Azul 1
75. Inter Miami are turning up the pressure.
Messi and Busquets have started multiple attacks.
The two are making a big impact in their short time on the pitch.
Inter Miami 1 Cruz Azul 1
73. Nice link-up between Busquets and Messi but the No. 10’s shot is charged down.
Busquets’ passing ability is already on show.
The Spanish star should be a fantastic asset in MLS.
Inter Miami 1 Cruz Azul 1
71. Messi had his first chance but his shot was blocked.
He set up his left foot but the Cruz Azul defense was a step ahead.
Tie game with 20 minutes left.
Inter Miami 1 Cruz Azul 1
69. Messi takes the corner – and almost scores!
A very knowledgeable Argentine journalist reliably informs me it’s the one type of goal the little man has never scored.
Came pretty close just now.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
