Lionel Messi couldn’t have written a better script.
The Argentine star debuted with MLS club Inter Miami on Friday night and netted the winning goal off a free kick in stoppage time to lift his new team to a 2–1 Leagues Cup victory over Mexican side Cruz Azul in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
It was an electric moment for the sellout, star-studded crowd of approximately 21,000 in attendance at DRV PNK Stadium for one of the most highly anticipated debuts in American soccer history.
Already mentioned by many observers as the greatest player in soccer history, Messi is now adding to his legacy in America.
Fans and pundits alike were amazed by Messi’s brilliant goal. Here are some of the best reactions from social media.
⭐ inMESSIonante ⭐ pic.twitter.com/dswAgBEWVw
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 22, 2023
Messi. Unbelievable. Game winner with seconds left in his MLS debut. Movie. pic.twitter.com/L8dMxr5fX6
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 22, 2023
I think that free kick finally settles the debate, #Messi really is the 🐐
— Matteo Bonetti (@Bonetti) July 22, 2023
INCREDIBLE!!!! 🐐 https://t.co/fEhhXSZRAx
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 22, 2023
☄️ GOLAZOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) July 22, 2023
The view from the press box as Lionel Messi delivers a last-second winner cia an upper 90 free kick in his Inter Miami debut.
You could not write a better script.
Surreal but so, so real!#InterMiamiCF #Messi𓃵 pic.twitter.com/b3ShEDuBWz
Messi 94th minute winner in debut for Miami. A clip that will play so loudly all around the world. A GOAT making heroics look casual delivering epic poetry for MLS. Sports at its dramatic finest 🇺🇸🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/h2m9bDFpB1
— roger bennett (@rogbennett) July 22, 2023
Watching Messi, greatest feeling in the world, it’s unreal man.
— FCB Albiceleste (@FCBAlbiceleste) July 22, 2023
pic.twitter.com/PusZ9Iquo9
The reaction of Kim Kardashian, Selena Williams, Beckham and his family to Messi Free-Kick 😍
— Zack💚FastGoals (@GoalsZack) July 22, 2023
pic.twitter.com/v6nabe3VF9
Messi's first goal for his 3 different clubs were all beautiful and iconic 🐐 pic.twitter.com/0cJAPrH1Cj
— Jan (@FutbolJan10) July 22, 2023
Messi scores a ridiculous winner, takes photos with Kim Kardashian’s kid, hugs David Beckham. Leaves. Proper Miami ending lol pic.twitter.com/n5T2giPgfM
— Luis Miguel Echegaray (@lmechegaray) July 22, 2023
