Lionel Messi made his debut for Inter Miami CF, scoring the winner in added time as his side defeated Mexican side Cruz Azul 2-1 in a League Cup match at Fort Lauderdale’s Lockhart Stadium.
Messi used a free kick in the 94th minute to unleash a powerful shot that defeated Cruz Azul goalkeeper Andres Gudino.
Since the 36-year-old was not in the starting XI in this duel, he stepped onto the pitch of his new home for the first time in the 54th minute.
He earned a lot of applause from the audience and put on the captain’s armband for his team.
Sergio Busquets also made his debut for the Florida team on Friday. He wasn’t in the starting XI but was used at the same time as Messi.
Miami left winger Robert Taylor scored the first goal of the game in the 44th minute.
Minutes after Messi’s first steps in his new shirt, Cruz Azul winger Uriel Antuna equalized in the 65th minute.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner, awarded to the best player in the world, was presented to fans at Inter Miami CF last weekend. He also completed his first training session with his new team on Tuesday.
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The club had announced his contract would run for two seasons plus an option year. The Argentine receives between 50 and 60 M$ annually and also receives shares in the concession.
The Miami outfit are certainly hoping that Messi’s arrival will allow them to rack up victories by the end of the season. So far they have a record of 5-14-3 in Major League Soccer. With a meager 18 points, they also occupy last place in the Garber Tour’s Eastern Conference standings.