Lionel Messi made his debut for Inter Miami with a last-minute winner against Cruz Azul in their League Cup match, finishing 2-1 for the American club. The Argentinian scored in the injury time from a direct free kick.
Messi started the match from the bench but came on shortly after the start of the second half alongside Sergio Busquets. As he entered the game, Messi received the captain’s armband from DeAndre Yedlin.
What a spectacular photo! 🔥#Messi gears up for his debut with Inter Miami. Two champions like Serena Williams and LeBron James capture the moment. And Kim Kardashian watches from the front row.
Today marks a before and after in MLS history. pic.twitter.com/sLwLrjfbXl
— MARCA in English (@MARCAinENGLISH) July 22, 2023
Inter Miami took the lead in the 44th minute with a goal by Robert Taylor. The Mexicans equalized in the 65th minute through Uriel Antuna.
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
Shortly before the end of the game, Messi was fouled on the edge of the penalty area. The Argentine turned the ball over the wall and sent it into the goal of Cruz Azul for the final 2:1, sending the Inter Miami crowd into raptures.