In the opening Leagues Cup match between his new team, Inter Miami, and Cruz Azul, Lionel Messi had a dream debut for Inter Miami. He scored a curling free-kick in the last seconds to give his new team a 2-1 victory.
Since Messi has only participated in three full training sessions with the squad thus far, Miami brought him off the bench, but the Mexican visitors outperformed them at times on Friday in the game in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.Even the Argentinian superstar, who won the World Cup just a few months prior and won the Ballon d'Or seven times as the finest player in the world, had little opportunities.
However, after committing the foul himself approximately seven yards outside the penalty area, Messi produced a superb left-footed free kick that sailed past the goalie Andres Gudino and into the upper left corner.
Messi stated of his free kick, "I knew it was the last chance," according to ESPN.com. "I simply made the usual effort, and fortunately the goalkeeper was unable to collect the ball.
We are not in a good position in the league, thus winning is crucial for this club. Even though there's another competition, it will boost our spirits.
In a competition that includes all 47 teams from MLS and Liga MX, Miami also scored right before halftime, giving the Herons a great start in a three-team group that also includes Atlanta United.
Uriel Antuna, a former winger for the LA Galaxy, equalized for Cruz Azul in the 65th minute. Cruz Azul had a shot advantage of 18 to 12 overall and 8 to 6 in shots that were on target.
In order to help Miami earn all three points, Drake Callendar made seven saves, including two critical ones very early on that helped keep the game tied and let Taylor give the Herons the lead.
Messi was caught offside on one apparent equalizer after Antuna scored a fantastic equalizer, while striker Josef Martinez was in a similar situation on another.
However, Messi's long-range goal, which curved over the defensive wall in the manner made famous by former England player turned Miami co-owner David Beckham, was flawless.
Tata Martino, the Inter Miami coach, stated, "It's normal for him, you know." It appears to be completely normal, yet it's not… We are discussing the GOAT.
Messi's first game featured a meeting of GOATs, including LeBron James and Serena Williams, who, like Messi in football, are considered among the "greatest of all time" in the NBA and tennis, respectively.Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, and Kim Kardashian all attended.
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