During his debut Friday night at DRV PNK stadium, global superstar Lionel Messi and Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi celebrates his goal late in the second half of a Leagues Cup soccer match against Cruz Azul, Friday, July 21, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-1.The game's greatest player - a seven-time Ballon d'Or winner - scored on a free kick from about 25 yards in the 94th minute, giving Inter Miami a 2-1 win over Mexican club Cruz Azul on Friday night in the Leagues Cup.
And if that wasn't enough, he saved his best moment for the end. He watched the ball sail into the net, something he's done about 800 times before for club and country, then sprinted to the right corner of the field and leaped into the arms of teammates. That's when the fans, finally, could put their phones down and take a breath. Temporarily, anyway. The wait was officially on: When was Messi coming in? He resumed warmups while the second half was getting under way, jogging around behind the end line near Miami's supporter section, and fans roared in delight when he gave them a wave.
Team officials said all tickets - about 21,000, in a newly expanded stadium - were sold. Messi arrived with the team about two hours before game time, dressed in the team colors - pink T-shirt, black shorts. He stopped for a few photos and handshakes as he entered the tunnel leading to the locker room.
It was a bit of a mystery in recent days how much Messi, a World Cup champion for Argentina and someone who Beckham calls the best player ever, would be on the field in his debut. New coach Tata Martino said he would leave that decision up to Messi, who hasn't played much of late and is working his way back into match shape.
It was a gathering of GOATs at Messi's debut match: James and Serena Williams were there - like Messi in soccer, they're in the conversation of"greatest of all time" when it comes to the NBA and tennis. Music legends Gloria and Emilio Estefan showed up, as did Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and Kim Kardashian arrived saying one of her sons had a particular reason why he had to attend.No matter what, it was a massive night for soccer in the U.S.
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