Lionel Messi scores stoppage time free-kick winner on Inter Miami debut – ‘He is always there to write films’

Lionel Messi scored an incredible stoppage time free-kick winner on his Inter Miami debut on Friday against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.

Messi and fellow new signing Sergio Busquets were brought on in the 54th minute to a raucous atmosphere, with Robert Taylor haven given the MLS side the lead in the first-half.

However just over ten minutes after Messi’s introduction they were pegged back as Uriel Antuna brought Cruz Azul level.

But there was one last twist to the tale as, in the 95th minute, Miami were awarded a free-kick in prime Messi territory.

After taking a moment to compose himself, Messi bent an unstoppable shot over the wall and into the corner, leaving Andres Gudino helpless in the opposing goal.

The capacity crowd, that featured celebrities such as LeBron James, Serena Williams and Kim Kardashian, went wild as Messi wheeled away celebrating with his teammates.

“I had the last chance of the game and I shot it like I always do it,” Messi told MLS Season Pass.

“I was lucky that it went right to the goal and that the goalkeeper couldn’t get it and it was a goal.

“It was a very joyful moment to be able to get this first win. Knowing how we’re doing in the league, it’s important that we start winning, regardless of this being a different tournament. For our confidence, it is great to get victories.”

His compatriot and manager Tata Martino was left speechless at what he had just watched, despite previously managing Messi at Barcelona.

“A film that is constantly repeated,” Martino said after the game. “It is almost like he’s giving his all to write a new film.

“Obviously [some moments] have a greater or lesser degree of importance, but he is always there to write films.”

Miami are owned by former England captain David Beckham, who was reportedly instrumental in bringing Messi to South Beach.

He admitted that watching Messi finally make his debut and scoring that goal was like “a dream come true.”

“Tonight’s a dream come true for everybody in this stadium to see, and everybody in this country, to see Leo step into MLS and perform,” Beckham said.

“I don’t have many words for that.”