WATCH: Inter Miami victorious on debut as Lionel Messi scores freekick winner in stoppage time
Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain Lionel Messi made a cracking start to get off the mark in style in Major League Soccer as he scored the winning goal during stoppage time. Messi scored the winner in the fourth minute of stoppage time. The match took place against Mexico-based club Cruz Azul. Messi got a vital free-kick which helped him get ahead in the scoreline and Inter Miami walked away with a 2-1 victory.
The goal took place in the 94th minute with Messi taking the kick from 25 yards. The kick was powerful to go over the wall which had four defenders from Cruz the ball went airborne and finally found a place at the upper corner of the net. When the goal was scored, the crowd of 21,000 people were buzzing and elated as Messi struck the winning goal. When we talk about the league’s cup, teams get a point each in case of a draw. Whoever wins the penalty shootout gets an additional point for themselves and Messi’s sharp football acumen on the field did the job.
Here is the video:
What a great start for Lionel #Messi @InterMiamiCF 👏👍🏼 #MLS #LionelMessi https://t.co/0DXc5gZdgp
— Thomas Müller (@esmuellert_) July 22, 2023
I dedicate this win to Ian Fray- Lionel Messi
Inter Miami won the game and came away with three points. Messi further went on to say that he dedicated the victory to Ian Fray his teammate. Fray was dealing with injuries and during the game against Cruz, he sustained yet another injury. When Messi scored the winner Inter Miami owner David Beckham was teary-eyed. Inter Miami will now lock horns with Atlanta United FC on July 26 in the League’s Cup.
“Let me dedicate this victory to Ian Fray who is suffering in the locker room from the injury he sustained. He comes from two serious injuries and today he has the bad luck to go through an injury again” A fan interpreted Messi’s statement after the match ended. Messi was seen shopping in a mall in the US earlier this week. Messi had switched bases from PSG to Inter Miami recently.
