Messi\’s Instant Magic ✨

July 24, 2023 $Messi\’s Instant Magic ✨$

By: Carlos Alvarez

In Super-Sub Role, Lionel Messi Strikes Game-Winner at Celebrity-Packed Inter Miami Party

Just how it was scripted! The soccer world held its breath Friday night when Inter Miami played host to Cruz Azul in a Leagues Cup showdown. And while that matchup would\’ve garnered little attention just a few months ago, one player can change things. The stars came out in droves — LeBron James, Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian, athletes, and actors aplenty — all to welcome Lionel Messi to America. It was less of a soccer game and more of a party until it mattered. The end result? A finishing touch that could only come from the GOAT himself.

Messi’s Magic Moment: Messi came on as a substitute in the 54th minute. The roars of the crowd at DRV PNK Stadium were deafening, especially for a last-placed MLS club in July. Forty minutes later, in the 94th minute of a 1-1 game, Messi earned a foul to set the stage for a magical moment. With stoppage time on its last legs, from 20 yards out, Messi on the spot… He spun a left-footed curler into the net and stamped his Miami debut with a walk-off winner (2-1). Instant impact. Magic in Miami!

Must-See Moment $\"🚨\"$

Messi Scores Free-Kick Winner in Inter Miami Debut

Watch: Full Messi Highlights From Inter Miami’s Win Over Cruz Azul (2-1)

Messi’s first MLS match will come tomorrow night (Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United FC, Tues. 7:30 pm ET).

ESPN: Sports World Reacts to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Debut

NY Times: Messi Was Already a Hit in Miami, Then He Stepped on the Field

Image via MLS / Giphy