Soccer Legend Lionel Messi Steals The Show In Inter Miami's MLS Opener

Photo: Instagram/Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi, the world's greatest soccer player, made a spectacular debut for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

The stage was set for an unforgettable moment, and Messi did not disappoint. In the 94th minute of the game against Cruz Azul, he stepped up to take a free kick and delivered a jaw-dropping goal, securing a 2-1 victory for his new team in the Leagues Cup opener at DRV PNK Stadium.

Messi's soccer genius was on full display as he orchestrated the game-winning goal. Earlier, he had been fouled, and in the final moments, as he lay on the ground, it was clear that something remarkable was about to happen.

Photo: Instagram/Lionel Messi

With just seconds left, he used his left boot, the same one that led Argentina to a World Cup victory and earned him seven Ballons d'Or, to seize the moment and find the back of the net. The crowd, consisting of more than 22,000 people, erupted into celebration as Messi's goal hit the left side of the net, well beyond the goalkeeper's reach.

This marked the official arrival of "Messi Mania" in South Florida and America as a whole. It had been a surreal journey of speculation and anticipation, but finally, Lionel Messi was now a part of MLS and Inter Miami.

Although Messi did not start the game, his entrance in the 54th minute brought immense joy to the sellout crowd, including famous faces like LeBron James, Kim Kardashian, and Serena Williams. Cruz Azul managed to equalize the score with a goal from Uriel Antuna in the 65th minute, but it only set the stage for Messi's heroics later on.

As the game neared its end, it became clear that Messi's presence alone had elevated the occasion. Inter Miami's coach, Tata Martino, called him the "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time), acknowledging the legend in their midst.

In those final moments, it was an undeniable realization that Messi had truly arrived in American soccer. This historic debut holds significance as it aligns Messi's journey with that of David Beckham, who made his MLS debut with the L.A. Galaxy 16 years ago.

Now, fans around the world eagerly await Messi's next appearance, eager to witness more magic from the soccer superstar on American soil.

Read Next: Atlanta Braves' Spencer Strider Makes Baseball History With Unprecedented Strikeout Record

Source: USA Today 

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