Lionel Messi arrived at Inter Miami with the promise of big moments. He produced a magical one for his debut Friday night.
Messi’s dazzling last-ditch, free-kick goal provided a dramatic winner, giving Inter Miami a 2-1 Leagues Cup victory over Mexican league side Cruz Azul.
And his winner inspired an immortal moment when, after he was mobbed by teammates, Messi exhorted the sellout crowd at DRV PNK Stadium into a frenzy, and ran over to his family in the stands for an emotional embrace.
“What I saw was the goal. I saw the goal, I knew that I had to score,” Messi said. “It was the last play of the game and I wanted to score so we didn’t go to penalties. So it was very important for us to get this win. Because it’s a new tournament, this is going to give us confidence moving forward.”
That, in short, is exactly what MLS had in mind in bringing in Messi.
NEW YORK SPORTS THIS WEEK 