By Victor Kanayo
Argentina captain Lionel Messi on Saturday morning scored sensational free-kick on a day he made his debut at MLS to propel Inter Miami to victory against Cruz Azul.
The former PSG and Barcelona star who led Argentina to a rapturous World Cup triumph in December 2022, came off the bench to create magical winning moment.
How Messi’s Wonder Made Difference
It was in the 92nd minute when the Argentine was fouled on the edge of the box.
He then stepped up to take a free-kick from 20 yards out and curled a remarkable shot that kissed the top corner, and sent DRV PNK Stadium into raptures.
Inter Miami without a win in 11 league matches, had taken a 1-0 lead in the contest, but conceded an equaliser shortly after Messi came on.
The 20,000-capacity crowd included celebrities such as basketball’s LeBron James, tennis legend Serena Williams and US TV star Kim Kardashian.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner only trained with his team-mates for the first time on Tuesday after moving to the MLS following the end of his contract at Paris St-Germain.
Upcoming Match
Messi will feature again for Inter Miami as they take on Atlanta United in the Leagues Cup on Tuesday.
Messi scored 32 goals in 75 games during a two-year spell with the French champions after leaving Barcelona, and turned down lucrative offers from other countries to play in the US.
This was the first time he had turned out for a non-European club side, but was joined by a familiar face as he and former Barca team-mate Sergio Busquets came on as part of a 54th-minute triple substitution.
Spain defender Jordi Alba has also made the switch from the Nou Camp, and will be available to play against Atlanta United.
