Key takeaways:
- Lionel Messi scored the winning goal in the 94th minute for Inter Miami in their victory over Cruz Azul
- Messi replaced midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi in the second half and Uriel Antuna equalized shortly after
- Had Messi missed the free kick, the game would have gone to a penalty shootout
Inter Miami secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Mexican club Cruz Azul on Friday night in the Leagues Cup, thanks to a stunning free kick from Argentinian forward Lionel Messi.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, widely regarded as the greatest player in the game, scored the winning goal in the 94th minute in front of a sold-out crowd of more than 20,000 at the DRV PNK Stadium.
Messi curled the ball over a wall of four Cruz Azul defenders and into the top left-hand corner of the goal, giving Inter Miami their first win in their brief history.
The Argentinian forward had only entered the field in the second half, replacing midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi, and his debut got off to a nerve wracking start when Azul’s Uriel Antuna equalized shortly after.
Play resumed for roughly a minute before the referee’s whistle blew, and fireworks shot into the night sky as Messi stepped up to take the free kick. Had he missed, the game would have gone to a penalty shootout.
Instead, Messi made an unforgettable debut for Inter Miami, sending the ball into the top corner of the net and giving the team a dramatic victory. He waved at fans while he was seated on the bench, and the crowd erupted in celebration.
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