Lionel Messi kicked off his Inter Miami career with another memorable moment as the Argentinian hit a magical injury-time free-kick winner against Cruz Azul.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner entered the fray after 54 minutes to a rapturous round of applause in Florida and immediately began pulling the strings.
His every touch was greeted with a cheer as the stars flooded into the ground to see him - Lebron James and Serena Williams were just two of the many who ensured their place in history.
Almost as if it was written in the stars, the 36-year-old expertly guided a 94th-minute free-kick home in the DRV PNK Stadium, sealing an unforgettable 2-1 Leagues Cup win and sending the entire footballing world into a frenzy!
LIONEL ANDRÉS MESSI IS NOT HUMAN. pic.twitter.com/2mBDI41mLy
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 22, 2023
David Beckham and Inter Miami spent the better part of two years pursuing Messi, and in a moment, it was a job well done. David Beckham acknowledged the signature earlier in the week with a simple 'Worth it'.
The opening goal of the Inter Miami Messi era was notched by Robert Taylor, who drove a low effort off the inside of the far post and into the back of the net, taking a 1-0 lead late on in the first half.
Cruz Azul levelled the game halfway through the second half, not long after the world's finest player had entered proceedings.
But it was to be Messi's day and his ultimate moment, as he has supplied on so many occasions before. The goal was his 700th non-penalty finish, becoming the first player in history to reach that astonishing milestone.
Lionel Messi has now scored 700 non-penalty goals in his career.
The only player to have reached that milestone ? pic.twitter.com/MXOB01gvDl
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 22, 2023
The Cup win, between the side bottom of the MLS and without a win in 11 games, and Mexico's LIGA MX side marks a fresh start for Inter Miami and a rejuvenated sense of optimism.
Co-Owner Beckham was visibly emotional afterwards, with footage showing the former Manchester United hero in tears.
David Beckham in tears after Messi’s goal! ?pic.twitter.com/WMD3QHggv1
— Leo Messi ? Fan Club (@WeAreMessi) July 22, 2023
"It's so exciting tonight for our fans," the former England captain said afterwards.
"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."
?| #DavidBeckham and his #InterMiamiCF mean business! https://t.co/i7aSLeADwM#MLS | @MLS | #Messi?
— Beat 102 103 (@beat102103) July 21, 2023
Jordi Alba sealed his move to the MLS side before the game, completing a trio of former Barcelona stars to enter the ranks.
The 34-year-old defender ended his long relationship with the Catalans in the summer.
Alba has signed a contract through the 2024 MLS season, with the club holding an option for the 2025 campaign.
Miami are back in action on Wednesday, July 26, against Atlanta United in matchday two of the League Cup, with action underway at 12:30 am Irish time.
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