Lionel Messi goal: Watch Inter Miami star's stunning free kick in debut

Sam Jarden

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Lionel Messi goal: Watch Inter Miami star's stunning free kick in debut image

Take a bow, Lionel Messi. 

In his debut for Inter Miami, the Argentine superstar scored a stunning free kick in stoppage time to give his new team a 2-1 lead over Mexican side Cruz Azul. It helped secure a victory for Miami, and marked a spectacular arrival for Messi in the United States.

Here's a look at the magnificent game-winning strike:

Lionel Messi goal vs. Cruz Azul

Messi's goal came in the fourth minute of stoppage time to break a 1-1 tie. Just as he's done so many times in his illustrious career, Messi defied physics with a flick of that magical left boot, curling a trademark free kick into the top corner.

Messi was substituted on in the 55th minute after starting the game on the bench. The match was a Leagues Cup fixture, which is a tournament pitting MLS sides against teams from the Mexican Liga MX. 

Social media reacts to Messi's debut goal

Sam Jarden

Sam Jarden Photo

Sam Jarden joined Sporting News as an intern in 2020 and returned as a content producer in 2022. In between, he spent a year and a half at Turner Sports, managing the social media accounts for Bleacher Report, NBA on TNT, NBA TV and others. A proud UNC alumnus, he spends his free time following the Tar Heels, Buffalo Bills and Newcastle United FC, and has been known to occasionally hit the links.