Inter Miami fans and board have been handed an early bonus on their investment into the signing of Lionel Messi as the Argentine magician scored a late winner for his new club against Cruz Azul in the league cup.
Messi who had a globally celebrated unveiling for Inter Miami earlier in the week started the match from the bench alongside his former teammate at Football Club Barcelona, Sergio Busquet.
His Inter Miami side had taken the lead through Robert Taylor and we’re still holding on the lead when Lionel Messi was brought on alongside Sergio Busquet for their Major League Soccer debut.
Inter Miami were soon pegged back courtesy of a Uriel Antuna’s goal. Despite creating chances, neither teams was clinical enough to score another goal. So, the match remained levelled at 1-1 deep into stoppage time.
A foul very close to the Cruz Azul’s box presented Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami side with a golden opportunity to snatch victory right at the death. Even as the wall was carefully arranged to stop any danger, it was clear that the ball was in Lionel Messi’s court because he is used to scoring from that position.
In the 94th minute, Lionel Messi delivered a curling free kick which expertly evaded the wall and found its way towards the left hand corner of the goal posts. Even though the goalkeeper made a spirited attempt to stop the effort from hitting the back of the net, it was never enough as Inter Miami players and supporters celebrated a last gasp winner.
This victory will come as a relief to everyone at the club after enduring a twelve match winless run which has been ended. They will also be hoping to build on the victory and save their season even as more elite footballers are rumoured to be in negotiations with the club on joining the Miami based club.
