Argentinean star forward Lionel Messi couldn’t have wished for a better debut with his new club Inter Miami. Inter got a 2-1 win over Cruz Azul in the League Cup opener on Friday night, with Messi scoring the winning goal.
Messi started the game on the bench, and the sold-out stadium had to wait until the 54th minute to see him on the pitch. The 36-year-old dazzled fans with some nifty moves but waited until the stoppage time to properly introduce himself.
The result was 1-1 with a few seconds left on the game clock. Cruz Azul gave up a foul right outside their penalty box, and Messi approached to take the free-kick. In his signature fashion, Messi launched the ball in the top left corner and placed it into the net just outside the reach of outstretched goalie Andres Gudino.
“I knew it was the last chance,” Messi said after the game. “I just tried like I always do, and fortunately, the goalkeeper couldn’t get the ball.”
Messi believes getting the win was important for the team due to their struggles in MLS.
“It is important for this team to get wins because we are not in a good position in the league. I know this is another tournament, but it will help our morale,” he added.
Inter Miami is currently at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with only five wins out of 22 games played. But with Messi on their side, don’t be surprised if Inter starts climbing quickly to the top.
