The launch of one of the most anticipated American sporting events in recent memory on Friday exceeded all expectations. Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-1 in the Leagues Cup opening for both sides when Lionel Messi, the World Cup champion and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, came off the bench to score one of his signature free kicks in second-half stoppage time.
At DRV PNK Stadium, where the south stands were full, Messi stopped warming up at 9:26 p.m. ET, grabbed his pink jersey, and jogged to the halfway line. He then came on to replace midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi, an 18-year-old who is also of Argentine heritage, in the 54th minute.
Fans had only seen Messi on the bench up to that point because the Miami substitutes oddly warmed up before the game and during the first half out of sight, most likely by the locker room.
With 55:30 left in the game, Messi made his first ever touch, but the only touch that mattered was the one he made after 90 minutes. Everyone anticipated what would happen when the visitors fouled from 25 yards out with five seconds left in the extra two minutes.
With his famed left foot, Messi curled the ensuing free kick into the top corner, whipping the sellout crowd of about 21,000 into a frenzy. Here is the video.
