Inter Miami Shines on Messi Magic

Lionel Messi gave his American career a Hollywood start on Friday by scoring the game-winning goal in the last seconds of Inter Miami's inaugural match against them.

In the fourth minute of stoppage time of the League Cup match against Cruz Azul of Mexico, with the score equal at 1-1, Messi was awarded a free kick just beyond the penalty area, which was the perfect distance for his famed left foot.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner bowed his head and curled a shot high and to the right into the top corner after giving Cruz Azul goalkeeper Andres Gudino a quick peek.

At Miami's DRV PNK Stadium, which can accommodate 20,000 people, the crowd exploded, and some spectators attempted to enter the field before being prevented by security. The devoted Miami supporters gathered behind the goal, where pink smoke bombs in the team's logo exploded.

The World Cup champion and all-time great from Argentina is joining Major League Soccer, and Miami and the league are hopeful that he will alter the sport and increase its appeal in the United States.

If Messi's performance for Barcelona on his debut is any indicator, he still has a lot to offer.

His touch had already suggested that he was focused and alert prior to achieving his major objective, which was surprising given that he had just returned from a week-long family vacation on a Caribbean beach.

Sergio Busquets, the Spanish midfielder and former Barca team-mate, who has joined Messi for his American adventure, also made a strong impression after they both entered the contest in the 54th minute as part of a triple change with Venezuelan Josef Martinez.

Busquets showed his famous, almost telepathic understanding with Messi remains, after over two years apart from each other, with the midfielder delivering pieces from all angles into the Argentine's feet.

But it was Messi's magical finish that will remain long in the memories of Inter Miami fans.

"I knew I had to score, it was the last play of the game. I wanted to score so we didn't go to penalties. It was very important for us to get this win, it's a new tournament, it's going to give us confidence moving forward," said the Argentine.

In the Leagues Cup group teams are awarded a point each for a draw and then the winner of a penalty shoot-out gets an additional point, but Messi made sure Miami grabbed all three for a win.

He also made sure that the club's co-owner David Beckham had a broad grin at the final whistle.

"To be honest, as soon as I saw the free kick given I thought this is the way it's meant to end. Especially when you've got players like Leo and Sergio on the pitch, that's what they produce," said the former England midfielder.

"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.

"It's such a moment for this country, such a moment for this league," he said.

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

NBA great LeBron James, A-list celebrity Kim Kardashian and tennis legend Serena Williams were among the stars who turned out.

Many fans were decked out in replica pink Miami shirts with Messi's name and number 10 on the back. Others sported Messi masks and banners.

There was some disappointment when the teams were announced with Messi on the bench and it was clear that plans had been made to celebrate his first start as fireworks exploded above the grandstands when the referee blew the whistle to start the encounter.

Against the run of play, Miami took the lead in the 44th minute with a fine, low shot from Robert Taylor which flew off the post.

Messi and Busquets came in with that lead intact but saw the Mexicans draw level through a powerful drive from Uriel Antuna in the 65th minute.

Then came Messis's moment, the perfect introduction to his new fans and his new country.

Source: AFP