EDICRIC | Football | Lionel Messi Debut Free-kick Goal Helps Inter Miami Win

Lionel Messi Debut Free-kick Goal Helps Inter Miami Win

Lionel Messi made a dream start to his career in America, scoring a stunning free-kick goal in the dying seconds of his debut game for Inter Miami on Friday night. The Argentine superstar, who joined the MLS club from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month, came off the bench in the 53rd minute and changed the game with his presence and magic.

Lionel Messi | Inter Miami

Inter Miami was leading 1-0 against Mexican club Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup, a tournament that pits teams from MLS and Liga MX when Messi and his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets entered the fray. The crowd at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale erupted as the two legends took the field and wore the pink and black jerseys for the first time.

Messi immediately showed his class and influence, creating chances and linking up with his new teammates, especially Josef Martinez, who had scored the opener for Inter Miami. The visitors equalized in the 71st minute through a penalty, but Messi was not done yet. He took matters into his own hands and earned a free kick in a dangerous position in the 94th minute.

Lionel Messi Free-Kick Goal

Messi stepped up to take the free kick and curled it into the top left corner of the net, leaving the goalkeeper rooted to the spot. It was a trademark Messi goal that sent the fans into a frenzy and gave Inter Miami a dramatic 2-1 win. It was also Messi’s first goal for his new club and his 94th career free-kick goal.

Messi celebrated by running to the corner flag and sliding on his knees, while his teammates mobbed him. He then took off his shirt and threw it into the stands, where a lucky fan caught it. Messi later said that he had envisioned scoring the free kick before he took it.

I knew I was going to score, Messi said after the game. “I had it in my head. I had a good feeling. I’m very happy for the goal and for the victory.”

Lionel Messi Welcome To South Florida

Messi’s debut for Inter Miami was one of the most anticipated events in MLS history, as the six-time Ballon d’Or winner joined the league after a storied career in Europe. Messi’s arrival has generated a huge buzz in South Florida, where soccer fans have welcomed him with open arms and excitement.

The Miami Herald dedicated a full-page message saying Bienvenido Messi on Sunday, while fans have been flocking to see him at training sessions and public appearances. Messi has also been spotted enjoying the Miami lifestyle with his family and friends, visiting restaurants, beaches, and malls.

Messi’s presence is expected to boost not only Inter Miami’s fortunes on the field but also MLS’s profile and popularity around the world. Lionel Messi is arguably the best player of all time and one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet, with millions of followers on social media. His move to MLS is a huge coup for the league, which has been trying to attract more stars and fans from abroad.

Inter Miami | David Beckham

Inter Miami owner David Beckham, who played with Messi at PSG last season, said that he was delighted to have Messi on board and that he hoped he would help grow the game in America.

‘Lionel is a special player, and he is a special person’ Beckham said. “He loves soccer, he loves playing, he loves winning. He’s a winner. He’s going to bring so much to this club, to this league, to this country. He’s going to inspire millions of kids to play soccer.”

Inter Miami vs Atlanta United

Lionel Messi will have another chance to showcase his skills and charm on Wednesday when Inter Miami face Atlanta United in an MLS regular season game. Fans can expect another thrilling performance from Messi, who has already shown that he can light up any stage with his brilliance.