Lionel Messi scores late winner on Inter Miami debut
Lionel Messi scored a dramatic purpose within the 94th minute on his debut at new membership Inter Miami.
The David Beckham-owned membership beat Mexican crew Cruz Azul with a minute to spare within the Leagues Cup.
Messi, regarded by many as one of many recreation’s biggest gamers, only joined the club a week ago, after two years of pursuance by Beckham.
The World Cup winner got here off the bench as captain within the second half of the sport on the DRV PNK stadium in Florida’s Fort Lauderdale to a capability crowd of 21,000, which featured the likes of LeBron James and Serena Williams.
His purpose got here from a free kick within the recreation’s dying seconds from round 25 yards out, which sailed into the highest left nook of the online.
After bagging his debut purpose, he bumped into the nook of the pitch earlier than heading over to hug his household.
Speaking after the sport via a translator, Messi mentioned: “I knew I needed to rating, it was the final play of the sport and I needed to rating, so we did not go to penalties.
“It was very important for us to get this win because it’s a new tournament, and it’s going to give us confidence moving forward.”
“As soon as I saw the free kick given I thought this is the way it’s meant to end,” Beckham mentioned.
“It’s so exciting tonight for our fans. All of these people that have come down here to see Leo just step on the pitch, let alone just do what he’s done.
“It’s a dream come true for everyone on this stadium and everyone round this nation to see Leo step into the MLS and carry out, and I haven’t got many phrases for that.”
It was final Sunday when Messi was unveiled as an Inter Miami participant by Beckham.
It is known he will probably be paid within the area of $50m a yr whereas he is there.
Inter Miami is presently in final place in MLS as they grapple with an 11-game dropping streak.
Messi beforehand performed for FC Barcelona, and led Argentina to the World Cup this previous December.