Messi scores late winner on Inter Miami debut

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
22 Jul 2023 15:24

Messi wins a free-kick just outside the box, in perfect range for his golden left foot.

Lionel Messi celebrates his debut winner at Inter Miami (AFP)

Lionel Messi made a sensational start to his career in the US, scoring a last-second winner with a free-kick in his debut game for Inter Miami on Friday.

Deep in the fourth minute of stoppage time, with a 1-1 draw against Mexican club Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup, Messi won a free-kick just outside the box, in perfect range for his golden left foot.

In front of 20,000 fans at Miami's DRV PNK Stadium, the seven-times Ballon d'Or winner took a glance at Cruz Azul's goalkeeper Andres Gudino, then put his head down before placing the ball to the keeper's right and into the top corner, securing a 2-1 win for his new club.

El primer gol de Messi con Inter Miami 🤯🤯👏👏

Messi scores in his first match with the club to give us the lead in the 94th minute. pic.twitter.com/pI7bYjEK63
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 22, 2023

"We wanted to start like this by giving these people a victory," Messi said after the match.

"We knew that it was very important for us to start this championship in winning fashion and luckily we were able to do it in the end, and I am very happy," the Argentine indicated.

Miami are rock bottom of Major League Soccer and without a win in 11 games in league play.

"It is a huge joy to get this first victory after how we have done in the league," Messi expressed, adding, "It is important to start winning, beyond the fact that it is another championship, for confidence it is very good to get victories."

On his part, Miami co-owner and former England midfielder David Beckham said, "As soon as I saw the free kick given I thought this is the way it’s meant to end."

"It's so exciting tonight for our fans. All of these people that come down here to see Leo just step onto the pitch, let alone just do what he’s done. It’s a dream come true for everyone in this stadium to see," Beckham expressed.

Messi became the biggest name signing in MLS' history when he joined Miami after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain came to an end in June.