Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami debut in the Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul was sensational, as he delivered a last-minute moment that left fans in awe. After a slightly shaky start for Inter Miami, Messi’s entry onto the field turned the tide of the game, and his free-kick goal sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory for his new team.

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As the estimated crowd of 21,000 eagerly waited, Messi checked in early in the second half while Inter Miami was leading 1-0. The stadium erupted with cheers and applause, and fans captured the historic moment on their phones. After years of planning and pursuing, the anticipation had finally come to an end – Messi was officially part of Inter Miami.

The first goal of the Messi era came courtesy of Robert Taylor, who found the net with a low drive off the inside of the far post, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Messi, who was still on the bench at that time, celebrated the goal with applause.

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Cruz Azul, determined to spoil Messi’s debut, equalized shortly after he entered the game and threatened to snatch a late win. However, Messi’s talent and composure were on full display when Inter Miami was awarded a free-kick just outside the box in injury time.

With the game hanging in the balance, Messi stepped up and unleashed a strike into the top corner, leaving the opposition goalkeeper with no chance. The stadium erupted in celebration as Messi was mobbed by his teammates.

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For Inter Miami’s co-owner, David Beckham, who played a pivotal role in bringing Messi to the club, it was a moment of pride and satisfaction. Beckham had expressed earlier in the week that securing Messi’s signature was “worth it,” and the Argentine’s debut goal seemed to validate his sentiment.

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Messi’s two-and-a-half-year contract with Inter Miami is reportedly worth between $50 to $60 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league. However, judging by his debut performance, it’s clear that the investment is already paying dividends for the club.