Fort Lauderdale, Fla. - Inter Miami CF won their first outing in the Leagues Cup 2023 with their new lineup against Cruz Azul 2-1 in the final regulation at the DRV PNK Stadium. Lionel Messi, who entered the game in the second half, provided the lift and scored his first goal for his new team to etch his name in the annals of U.S. soccer history on Friday night amidst a star-studded audience.

Among the powerhouse spectators who came to witness the debut of Messi, the Argentine legend, were prominent figures such as Kim Kardashian, Serena Williams, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, and LeBron James, who warmly embraced Messi in celebration.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, Lionel Messi, began on the bench alongside the legendary midfielder Sergio Busquets.

Both teams started out controlling their pace and creating threatening chances at times in transitions. The first threat came from the guest in the 4th minute when Moises got past the defenders and released a left-foot shot that the goalkeeper Drake Callender saved.

Miami responded with a through ball for Campana in the 8th minute, who got a right-footer shot off in the 16 yards, but the goalkeeper made an easy save. 

Cruz Azul nearly opened the score in the 9th minute with Carlos Rotondi, who received an aerial through ball on the left wing. He got inside the box and cut back, shooting a curling ball that rocked the far post and went to Cambindo, who missed the open putback off the rebound. 

However, Miami would find its opening goal opportunity just before halftime. In the 44th minute, Robinson crossed a long aerial ball to Robert Taylor on the left wing, who controlled it. He outmaneuvered the defender inside the box and cut back to unleash a right-foot shot that banged on the inside far post and nestled into the net for the lead 1-0.

The second half highlights the two superstar substitutes, Messi and Busquets, who made their first game appearance for Inter Miami CF in the 54th minute at DRV PNK Stadium. However, Cruz Azul struck back with Uriel Antuna blasting a low shot deflected off Callender and into the net to level the score.

In the closing regular minutes, Josef Martínez attempted a short pass to Messi, looking to create a one-two play, but was denied by a foul on Messi in an ideal free-kick position for the recent world cup winner. 

In front of the twenty-thousand plus sale out crowd, Messi delivered his signature curled ball free-kick from about 26 yards out to the top left corner of the net, leaving fans in awe to securing the dramatic 2-1 victory in the 94th-minute over Cruz Azul.

Head Coach Gerardo Martino could not contain but marvel at the fairytale performance, likening the moment to a timeless movie script that will be etched in memory forever, and described it as "A movie that will play on repeat forever."

David Beckham, the co-owner of the Major League Soccer team, beamed with pride as Messi celebrated his winning goal and shared a heartfelt hug with his kids.

He shared what was going through his mind saying, “As soon as I saw the free-kick given, I thought, this is the way it's meant to end." Beckham told MLS Season Pass sideline reporter Katie Witham after the game.

Inter Miami will resume action on Tuesday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m. ET, as they host Atlanta United at DRV PNK Stadium for its final Group Stage match of the Leagues Cup.

Sports Action Rundown, Leagues Cup, Inter Miami CF, Lionel Messi, Gasner Delvarin Jr.