Lionel Messi scored a stunning free-kick goal in stoppage time during his first match with Inter Miami, leading the team to a 2-1 victory over Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup last night. Messi started the match on the bench, having participated in only three training sessions with his new team until then, and Inter Miami struggled without him against the Mexican visitors. The Argentine star, who won the World Cup a few months ago and has claimed the Ballon d'Or seven times, had limited opportunities after coming on in the 54th minute, but he showcased his skill by beating goalkeeper Andrés Guatino with a left-footed free kick.
Messi ignited the excitement of the fans in the stands, which included basketball star LeBron James, tennis legend Serena Williams, and reality TV star Kim Kardashian. "I knew it was the last opportunity to score," Messi said, noting that his team is at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings in Major League Soccer but had a long break to participate in this annual tournament featuring clubs from the United States and Mexico. He added to ESPN: "I tried to shoot with precision as I usually do, and luckily the goalkeeper couldn’t stop the ball." He continued, "It’s an important victory because the team isn’t in a good place in the league; I know it’s another tournament, but winning helps to boost our morale."
