The score was tied. Everything was going to be decided during the last action of the match: a free kick from Lionel Messi.
The Argentinian settled into the center, armed with a confidence that only one of the greatest in the sport could exude. He took two steps, caressed the ball with his left foot before it went around the wall and hugged the skylight. Euphoria followed.
The fireworks, the cheering fans and the genuine smile on the face of the number 10 who went to join his children all added to build the instant legend that this stroke of genius will be. Anyway, that’s how the first game of the Pulga with Inter Miami. It concluded with the beginning of a new chapter in the history of soccer in North America.
Ultimately the score of 2-1 in favor of Miami against Cruz Azul in the League Cup was almost secondary. We’ll remember more of the action than the rest of the 90 minutes combined.
“What I looked at is the goal. I knew I had to score, it was the last action of the game. I wanted to score so that we didn’t go to penalties afterwards. It was very important for us to get this victory, it’s a new tournament, it will give us confidence for the future, ”said Messi after the meeting on Apple TV.
Far is it to imagine that this strike is nothing anecdotal. On the other hand, there is no need to pass the message on to David Beckham, co-owner of the club, who has already grasped the magnitude of the moment.
PHOTO MARCO BELLO, REUTERS
David and Victoria Beckham
This is such a great moment for this country. It’s such a great moment for this league and it’s such a great moment for us.
David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami
He knows what he says dear Beckham. The former glory of Real Madrid and Manchester United also took MLS to another level on July 21, 2007 when he played for the Los Angeles Galaxy for the first time. Sixteen years later, to the day, it was Messi who took over.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner made his debut in the 54e minute of play after the crowd had claimed it many times since the start of the game. He immediately inherited the captain’s armband and proved himself worthy as no one.
At 36, Messi isn’t on the pitch doing cardio and performing defensive duties. However, when he touches the ball, his talent has no equal. For a first meeting, he showed great combinations with striker Josef Martinez and his former FC Barcelona teammate – whom he brought with him in his luggage – Sergio Busquets.
Nevertheless, if he can provide other such magical moments for the next two seasons, Beckham, MLS and Apple can all say mission accomplished.
The star named Messi
No one hid from it for the occasion, everything revolved around Messi. Every camera has been trained on the Argentine star, showing him on screen at every possible opportunity. It also attracted the gratin of society.
LeBron James, Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian and Sergio Agüero were all in the arena for this historic day for soccer in North America.
In fact, the whole week was dedicated to Messi. In an attempt to fill seating requests, two huge removable sections, on loan from the Formula 1 Grand Prix, have been added to the Drive Pink Stadium. That did not prevent all the tickets from finding takers despite the exorbitant prices.
Even during the first training of the Pulga open to members of the media, earlier this week around 200 journalists were at the scene. This is unheard of for the circuit.
The same effect was felt in the lineup. Messi’s arrival led to that of his FC Barcelona friends Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. The latter, who is not yet with the team, will certainly do good to offer services in the left lane.
In the meantime, television channels and social networks will take care of presenting this little moment in history that was written before our eyes.