Messi Debuts With a Game-Winner, Inter Beats Cruz Azul, 2-1

Lionel Messi led his Inter Miami to a 2-1 win over the Mexican side, Cruz Azul, on his debut tonight. The Argentinian scored a game-winner deep into the stoppage time, perfectly executing a free kick and stopping a negative streak this team had over the past several weeks.

Messi’s goal came in the 94th minute, a superb free-kick curve from some 25 yards that went beside the wall and into Cruz Azul’s net. Previously, the Argentinian captain came off the bench, changing the situation on the field and handing Inter a victory.

This angle of Messi’s game winner 🤯pic.twitter.com/hvML8SXzsS

— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) July 22, 2023

The Herons got the lead in the opening half, with Robert Taylor netting in the final minutes of the same. Though, the guests responded 20 minutes into the second period, as Uriel Antuna scored. Cruz Azul had the initiative early on, and they were better overall when looking at the statistics.

Inter’s goalkeeper, Dake Callendar, saved his team in several nasty situations, and his impact on the final result is the same as Messi’s, if not greater. Callender had seven saves tonight, a few of them in the opening half, with the result 0-0. If it wasn’t for that, the game would develop in a completely different direction.

Messi came in the 54th minute, along with Sergio Busquets and the former MLS champion Josef Martinez. The game got a much higher rhythm as soon they stepped on the pitch. The stands exploded, with all the fans chanting Messi’s name.

We could see numerous celebrities attending the game, like LeBron James, who shared a moment with Messi before the event began, Serena Williams and Kim Kardashian, who brought her son to witness Messi’s debut.

Inter will have a lot to work on in the upcoming period. The Herons are currently the last-placed team in the East, with slim chances of reaching the playoffs or at least the play-in. On the other hand, they are in the mix for winning the silverware in the US Open Cup and the Leagues Cup.

Messi’s new club will receive another big boost in the near future, with Jordi Alba debuting for the team. The former Barcelona star landed in Florida several days ago, signing a contract and joining his former teammates. Alba is expected to be a crucial addition to Inter’s defense, which struggled a lot in the first part of the campaign.

Greatness. pic.twitter.com/HlNbpLGZvb

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 22, 2023

Inter encounters Atlanta United next, in a game that takes place on July 25, in the second round of the Leagues Cup. The team from Miami will be a favorite once again, particularly now coming off a big win earned in the last moments by Messi. There still isn’t any confirmation on whether Alba debuts in that event, but if that happens, Inter will be in an excellent position.

In other Leagues Cup games last night, we saw Charlotte beating FC Dallas following a penalty shootout, 2-2 in the regulations; Mazatlan was better than Austin FC 1-3, while Orlando City beat Houston Dynamo also after penalties, 1-1 during 90 minutes.