Messi scored a 2-1 win over MX League side Cruz Azul in his Inter Miami debut, an iconic 94th-minute free kick that has since gone viral on social media and brought MLS to global attention. It was a stunning moment from the Argentine superstar and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, whose mid-summer arrival in South Beach is just getting started.
Now the question is what Messi has in store – and whether head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino will give their number 10 a start. Messi came on in the 54th minute last Saturday and is working towards full fitness. But he doesn’t need a full 90 to make an impact on a game, delivering another highlight-reel moment with a stunning left foot.
Similar talk of minutes surrounds Inter Miami’s new midfielder Sergio Busquets, one of three FC Barcelona legends to join the club in recent days – the other being Spain’s all-time international Jordi Alba. Busquets entered the Cruz Azul match alongside Messi and showed his superior passing/tactical vision, while Alba’s debut is still awaiting the birth of his child.
Despite Miami’s struggles during the MLS regular season, the Messi effect makes the destination a possibility to look at. Next: Series 1, Chapter 2.