“We wanted to start like this by giving these people a victory," said Messi, expressing his happiness at securing a winning start in the championship. Despite a challenging match, Inter Miami managed to secure the win in the end, much to Messi's delight.
The match was played at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, with the fans creating a vibrant atmosphere with smoke bombs in Miami's signature pink colour. Some ecstatic fans even ran onto the pitch to celebrate Messi's goal, adding to the party-like ambience.
Messi's arrival in the MLS has generated immense excitement among fans, and his official unveiling on Sunday in front of a packed stadium further fueled the anticipation. Having just trained with his new team for the first time on Tuesday, Messi's impact was already evident in the Leagues Cup.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner had previously played for Paris St-Germain, scoring 32 goals in 75 games during his two-year tenure. However, he turned down lucrative offers from other countries to play in the United States. Joining former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets and Spain defender Jordi Alba at Inter Miami, Messi looks set to make a significant impact on the team's fortunes.
The Leagues Cup, a competition involving teams from the MLS and Mexico's LIGA MX, marks a fresh beginning for Inter Miami, who have faced a challenging season in the MLS, sitting at the bottom of the table without a win in 11 games.
The match against Cruz Azul saw Robert Taylor give Inter Miami the lead in the 44th minute, igniting the celebrations on the bench. However, Cruz Azul's Uriel Antuna equalised, setting the stage for Messi's grand finale.
In the dying moments of the game, Messi was brought down just outside the box, providing an ideal opportunity for his famous left foot. With skill and precision, he curled the free-kick high to the right of the goalkeeper, securing a memorable victory for Inter Miami.
"It is a huge joy to get this first victory after how we have done in the league," Messi shared his elation after the game. The win is not only significant for the championship but also for building confidence in the team as they aim to improve their performance in the MLS.
Inter Miami's fans are undoubtedly excited about what Messi's arrival could mean for their team's future, and the star player's impressive debut performance has only added to the anticipation surrounding his time in the MLS.