Lionel Messi announced himself to his new American fans in the only way he could – with a stunning last minute goal from a trademark free-kick.
The World Cup winner stunned on his Inter Miami debut in front of an A-list star-studded crowd, with David Beckham reduced to tears as his long-held dreams finally came true.
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Messi’s debut overnight on Friday/Saturday was years in the making, with England legend and Inter Miami co-owner Beckham influential in attracting the Argentine wizard to the MLS club.
And it was well worth the wait as he started with a bang by sealing a 2-1 victory over Mexican side Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup – an annual competition between teams from MLS and Liga MX.
The eyes of the entire football world were on Florida as Messi walked out for the first time in Inter Miami pink.
And seven months on from lifting the World Cup, the little magician and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner delivered with bells on, although expectant fans were made to wait for the Messi magic.
The 36-year-old started the game on the bench and watched on as his new side took the lead on the stroke of half-time through Robert Taylor’s excellent opener.
Messi then came off the bench in the 54th minute to send the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale into raptures as he entered the field and took the captain’s armband from former Barcelona teammate – and fellow summer signing – Sergio Busquets.
Mexico international Uriel Antuna then struck in the 65th minute to level the game, before Messi stepped up for his big moment.
The Argentina won a free-kick in prime Messi territory just outside the penalty area, and the stadium held its breath as he stepped up to take it deep into stoppage-time.
And it was a trademark goal from the maestro, who curled the ball beautifully up and over the wall and beyond the outstretched goalkeeper into the back of the net.
Fireworks lit the night sky as Messi wheeled away in jubilant celebration to a deafening roar of the crowd.
Tennis legend Serena Williams was spotted eyes wide and mouth open in amazement, with basketball great – and Liverpool investor – LeBron James seen nearby with hands aloft.
Meanwhile, Beckham was seen watery eyed as his former Spice Girl wife Victoria leapt into his arms and he was congratulated by son Cruz and daughter Harper.
It was a huge moment and momentous night for North American football 48 years on from Pele’s New York Cosmos bow and 16 years to the day since Beckham made his LA Galaxy debut.
