Lionel Messi came off the bench to score a superb winning goal on his Inter Miami debut against Cruz Azul. Because of course he did.
Sporting legends such as LeBron James, Serena Williams and Tom Brady flocked down to Fort Lauderdale to witness football's greatest ever player make his bow in north American soccer and he did not leave them disappointed.
Messi and ex-Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets were both named as substitutes by Gerardo 'Tata' Martino for Friday's Leagues Cup group stage match with the Liga MX side.
But in typical fashion, the diminutive Argentine had the final say and earned his new team three points with a sumptuous free-kick deep into stoppage time.
Inter Miami took the lead towards the end of the first half when Robbie Robinson's long switch of play was brought down by Robert Taylor, who cut inside from the left channel and fired in off the inside of the far post, leaving Messi visibly impressed on the bench.
Martino opted to bring Messi and Busquets into the fray together with 54 minutes on the clock, with a packed-out DRV PINK Stadium rising to their feet to welcome the duo.
Ten minutes later, Cruz Azul found a leveller through Uriel Antuna, whose quick turn and shot caught the largely imperious Drake Callender off guard.
But that set up a grandstand finish. Inter Miami were award a free-kick on the edge of the Cruz Azul box in the final minute of stoppage time.
Dixon Arroyo walked away to allow Messi time to set himself, and the 36-year-old lifted the ball up over the helpless wall and right into the top corner of Andres Gudino's net.
Club owner David Beckham celebrated the goal on the touchline before bursting into tears after witnessing his franchise's first truly iconic moment.
Messi could make his first start for Inter Miami against Atlanta United on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning.
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This article was originally published on 90min as WATCH: Lionel Messi scores stunning winner in stoppage time on Inter Miami debut.
