Last night, 94 minutes into a deadlocked match between Inter Miami and Cruz Azul, the referee blew his whistle. The call indicated a foul 25 yards out from Cruz Azul goal. The stadium went quiet as Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi stepped up to the dead ball.
For fans around world football, the sight of Messi in Inter Miami’s pink jersey is going to take some time to feel natural, but any theories that the Argentine superstar was hunting a final paycheck in a retirement tour with the Miami football club were quickly dashed with a flick of his magical left foot. The ball floated over the defence, just out of reach of the Cruz Azul Keeper to nestle in the top left corner of the goal. The net rippled. New club, same player.
As the stadium erupted in celebration, the camera panned to David Beckham, footballing legend and part-owner of Inter Miami, smiling to himself and shaking his head in disbelief. Years of planning and pursuit culminated in this thrilling debut. A perfect advertisement for MLS, Inter Miami and Apple TV, the new MLS broadcaster distributor.
Despite the fairy tale ending, the match was a close contest even after Messi’s introduction in the 55th minute. Cruz Azul and Inter Miami traded attacks with Messi impressing with defence splitting passes, mesmerising one-twos, and a seemingly instantaneous connection with striker Josef Martinez and full back DeAndre Yedlin. Despite Messi’s heroics, the man of the match was arguably goalkeeper Drake Callendar. The 25 year old American made save after save, blunting Azul’s attack and keeping Inter Miami in the match throughout.
Messi was far from the only star in attendance. Lakers power forward and NBA icon LeBron James was in attendance and exchanged embraces with Messi afterwards. If anyone can empathise with a career defining move to South Beach, it’s James. Also in the stands were Tennis legend Serena Williams and fashion mogul Kim Kardashian joining the sold out crowd at the newly expanded DRV PNK Stadium.
The crowd was in raucous form. Supporters showed up in their pink Inter Miami jerseys and blue and white Argentina jerseys. Fireworks went off around the stadium as the team celebrated the win as if they won a championship. It’s hard to blame them. When the greatest footballer of the last two decades shows up at your front door, dreams of championships can become realities.
