He has only gone on and done it again! Lionel Messi’s wonder strike sank Cruz Azul on the Argentine’s debut for Inter Miami. Messi’s first goal for Inter Miami being a golazo isn’t a surprise. He has been bossing the game even at his advanced age and his tenure at Miami is expected to be a success for the same reason.
El primer gol de Messi con Inter Miami 🤯🤯👏👏
Messi scores in his first match with the club to give us the lead in the 94th minute. pic.twitter.com/pI7bYjEK63
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 22, 2023
In the spirit of great debut goals, here are Lionel Messi’s debut goals for all three of his professional clubs, in reverse chronological order-
Inter Miami vs Cruz Azul (July 21, 2023)- Leagues Cup
The clock is ticking. The 94th minute is up and Messi’s debut game for Inter Miami is set to end with a whimper as Cruz Azul and his side are locked at 1-1.
Then Inter Miami are awarded a free kick in a dangerous area. Surely it couldn’t be? Even fairytales don’t have endings like that.
Up steps Lionel Messi as the crowd holds their breath. These are the kind of moments Messi was given his special contract for.
He doesn’t disappoint. With an expertly curled free-kick over the wall, he beats the keeper on the far side to send the fans and players into a frenzy. Inter Miami stadium DRV Pink erupts, as they have their new hero. With that, yet another fanbase falls in love with the little magician.
At 36 years old, he writes another chapter to his legend. Is Messi at Inter Miami just for an extended lucrative holiday? No chance!
PSG vs Man City (Sept 28, 2021)- UEFA Champions League
Messi was on a three-game “drought” for his new club. But of course, he was saving his best for the biggest stage and nobody was disappointed when it came.
He was bought for moments in the UCL and that’s exactly what he provided against the best Europe had to offer.
On the counterattack with the team leading 1-0, Messi ran through the heart of defence and played it to Mbappe. The Frenchman executed a delightful backheel flick to push the ball into the path of Messi who hadn’t stopped his run.
There was still a lot to do. Not for Messi. From the edge of the box, he took on the shot first-time. It looked supremely effortless as the ball flew off his boot right in the top corner. The keeper was left stranded and Messi was up and running.
Barcelona vs Albacete (May 1, 2005)- La Liga
If one looks up the definition of “Passing the torch moment” in the dictionary, there should be an image of this goal.
Messi, the heir apparent, receives the ball from his idol, Ronaldinho, and with composure that should NOT be normal in a 17-year-old, calmly lift the ball over an onrushing goalkeeper who looks in disbelief. Messi, though, runs away celebrating like he was born to do this. And he was.
Ronaldinho carries him on the back as Camp Nou finds its new hero. They begin as you mean to go on, and Lionel Messi’s debut goal for Barcelona lived up to that quote and then some. A legend had begun.