Lionel Messi was, once again, Lionel Messi. This Friday (21st), the star made his eagerly awaited debut for Inter Miami, from the United States. And it couldn’t have been more in his style: he played about 40 minutes, but enough to score a great free kick in the final minutes and give his team a 2-1 victory over Mexican Cruz Azul. The match, in the North American city of Fort Lauderdale, was for the Leagues Cup, a pre-season competition featuring teams from the United States and Mexico.
But Messi’s entry did not happen immediately. Previously, without him on the pitch, Inter Miami had opened the scoring with a goal from Taylor just before the break. In the eighth minute of the second half the number 10 finally entered the field, to the delight of the fans who flocked to Lockhart Stadium to see him. Interestingly, Messi replaced another Argentine midfielder, Cremaschi.
Even so, Cruz Azul equalized with a goal from Antuna, in the 20th minute. Very marked, the Argentinian nevertheless risked some maneuvers and also asked for a penalty after an individual declaration. But Honduran referee Said Hernández denied the call. When an equalizer seemed inevitable, there was a foul on the edge of the penalty area. Messi took the shot perfectly, for a corner, and ensured the victory for Inter Miami.
In the end, those who expected a show from Messi were fully satisfied. His team will be back on the pitch next Tuesday, again at home, against Atlanta United. Only the leaders progress to the next stage of the League Cup and Inter will need to win to secure this goal.
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Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
