Lionel Messi is the latest star to join MLS. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Lionel Messi made his Inter Miami debut on Friday in the League Cup against Mexico’s Cruz Azul. He waited until the last moment to make an impact.
Inter Miami cruised to a 2-1 home win after Messi converted a 94th-minute free kick to break a 1-1 tie, a perfect start to a tenure that MLS hopes will bring unprecedented attention to the burgeoning league. Messi had entered as a substitute in the 54th minute alongside his long-time teammate Ricardo Busquets.
The FC Barcelona legend officially signed for Inter Miami last week and delivered a rain-soaked presentation, but the real kick-off came on the pitch, where he has dominated for the better part of two decades. Messi agreed to join MLS despite a titanic offer from Saudi Arabia and proposals from his former club Barcelona.
Messi’s move to Inter Miami came months after the most cathartic success of his career, Argentina’s triumph at the 2022 World Cup last winter. He may not be the unstoppable attacking machine he used to be, but expectations remain high.
Messi remains a record seven-time Ballon d’Or winner with 10 La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues with Barcelona, as well as a decorated international career. This will be a stark contrast to Inter Miami, who have remained in last place this year with a record of 5-3-14.
