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Lionel Messi scores game winner on free kick in final moments of MLS debut

On3-Social-Profile_GRAYby:On3 Staff Report•07/21/23
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami FC
Inter Miami attacker Lionel Messi dribbles past a defender in a game against Cruz Azul on July 21, 2023. (Sam Navarro / USA TODAY Sports)

Talk about magical moments. Lionel Messi‘s debut in the MLS could not have had a more Hollywood ending.

With David Beckham watching from the stands and the clock quickly counting down on the end of regulation and extra time, Messi drew a foul near the top of the Cruz Azul 18-yard box and began to envision his ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ moment. Officials spotted the ball about 26 yards out from goal, slightly toward the left end of the field.

Messi stepped up with the crowd watching with bated breath.

Then the global phenomenon looped in a strike with his left foot, curling in a brilliant game-winner at the death of it for his first goal in the MLS.

Lionel Messi’s debut came in the second half, with the Argentine superstar making his debut alongside long-time Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets.

Inter Miami CF led 1-0 at the time both players entered, but Cruz Azul would level it. And despite several good chances from Inter Miami in the second half, Messi and company couldn’t break through.

Until his free kick.

“Yeah, what I saw was the goal,” Messi said via a translator after the game. “I saw the goal, I knew that I had to score, it was the last play of the game and I wanted to score so we didn’t 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.”

Beckham, the club’s co-owner, was only too thrilled for fans to get that kind of an experience on Messi’s first night with the club.

“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,” Beckham said. “That’s what they produce. It’s so exciting tonight for our fans. All of these people that have come down here to see Leo just step onto the pitch, let alone just do what he’s done.

“Obviously Sergio’s performance was incredible, but it’s a dream come true for everyone in this stadium to see, and everyone around this country to see, Leo stepping into the MLS and perform. I don’t have many words for that.”