2023 Leagues Cup: Inter Miami 2-1 Cruz Azul
Lionel Messi delivered a last-gasp winner via a stunning free kick in his debut for the South Florida side
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi just delivered a moment of magic, and it capped a dream debut that may have been as surreal as it was real.
Messi marked his Inter Miami debut in emphatic fashion on Friday night, scoring a sensational stoppage-time golazo off a free kick to push the South Florida side to a 2-1 victory over Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.
The Argentine, who entered the match at Drv Pnk Stadium in the 54th minute by replacing Benjamin Cremaschi, drew the foul that led to the decisive set piece seconds prior. He then helped Inter Miami avoid a penalty kick shootout, firing a gorgeous 94th-minute effort to the top left corner of the net to send the home crowd into a frenzy.
Inter Miami had initially taken the lead late in the first half, but Robert Taylor’s opener was canceled out by an Uriel Antuna strike in the 65th minute. Messi ensured the game would not end in a stalemate, however, with his latest highlight reel-worthy goal.
Tata Martino’s side, which lost defender Ian Fray to an injury in the first half, will play its second Leagues Cup match on Tuesday night by hosting Atlanta United.
Inter Miami: Robert Taylor (Robbie Robinson) 44’
Cruz Azul: Uriel Antuna 65’
Inter Miami: Lionel Messi (Free Kick) 90+4