The day was FINALLY here when the best player in the History of the game made his MLS debut. What a debut it was, bringing stars like Lebron James, Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian, and many more stars to South Beach. The GOAT has arrived!
Hello Messi
Leo Messi and another new arrival Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets started off on the bench. The first half was mostly one-sided with Cruz Azul dominating play but not able to find a finish. Miami would take the lead right before the half. A beautiful shot by Robbie Taylor hit off the outside post and into the back of the net, giving Inter the 1-0 lead going into the half.
To start the second half, all eyes were on 6x Golden Boot winner Leo Messi and what minute new head coach Tata Martinez would pull the trigger on the Argentine. The wait was finally over. In the 53rd minute, the GOAT made his MLS debut to a roaring crowd at DRV PNK Stadium. Right away, his impact was felt. Miami began to take over the possession and control the pace of the game. This put Cruz Azul on its back foot. Every time Messi touched the ball, the crowd made a sound rarely heard in an MLS match. One thing Messi couldn’t do was stop Cruz Azul from getting their chances. The Liga MX side would tie the game in minute 65’.
Walk-Off
The brilliant passing of Sergio Busquets was felt all over the pitch in the final 37 minutes of the game. One of them passes found Messi with 5 minutes to go, almost giving him his first in the pink jersey but was blocked by CAZ defender. All eyes on the GOAT came in extra time when he reminded the world why he’s the best to ever play the game of soccer with a free kick for the ages right outside the top of the box. With his incredible skills, Messi curled it around the wall and into the back of the net, leaving the Cruz Azul goalkeeper helpless like so many other keepers in his career and giving Inter Miami the walk-off victory in stunning fashion for their first Leagues Cup match ever.
Regardless, this night was never about the final score. It was about the Greatest of All Time, making history in an MLS uniform and bringing all the eyes from around the globe to Soccer in America. THE GOAT HAS ARRIVED!
My name is Diego Bianchi born and raised in Philadelphia. I’m a sports analyst, writer, and show host covering Philadelphia sports for Edge of Philly Sports. I also am a credentialed media member covering the Philadelphia Union for EOP. My passion for sports started since forever ago. At least, it feels like that. Thanks to my amazing family. I love doing this every day. You can catch me every Monday night on the Sully Squad at 6 PM on Edge of Philly Sports.
