Three goals, an assist, countless magnificent dribbles, and two wins in the Leagues Cup. That is what Lionel Messi has managed to accomplish in just his first week at Inter Miami.
Last night, Messi delivered a masterful performance as Inter Miami put Atlanta United to the sword in a 4-0 thumping. As the captain, Messi led from the front, dictating the tempo of the match with his impeccable vision and precision. He tapped the ball after just eight minutes to give Miami the lead. Not one to rest on his laurels, Messi quickly doubled the lead with an almost self-assist. He finessed the ball against the post before it bounced back into his path for him to slot home.
Demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities, Messi then turned creator, threading a perfectly weighted pass to his teammate, which was coolly converted for the fourth goal. In what was a comprehensive team victory, Messi’s performance served as a shining beacon, further cementing his legacy as a player capable of dictating the narrative, no matter the stage or the opposition.
As Messi left the field in the 78th minute, to great applause, fans started trickling out of the stadium in large numbers. Messi is inevitably the main attraction and beyond seeing the Argentine star, the football isn’t as appealing. After all, a ticket for an Inter Miami match in pre-Messi times only set fans back around $25. Now, prices above $400 are common. Everyone wants a glance at the GOAT.
Before Messi made his debut last week, the South Floridian side had won just one of their previous nine games. They’ve now won two on the bounce and have been playing exciting football to accompany their results.
Celebrity and sporting stars have been showing up en masse to witness an all-time great ply his trade in the 305. Serena Williams, DJ Khaled, Diddy, Kim Kardashian and LeBron James have all come to catch a glimpse of the Argentine, the latter of whom got a huge embrace from Leo, a hug of GOATs, a true game recognises game moment.
Messi has been phenomenal in both of his games for Inter Miami. Last week, the DRV PNK Stadium roared in anticipation as Messi began to warm up on the sidelines. A palpable excitement reverberated throughout the stands, the crowd waiting for their new marquee signing to create magic. And he did not disappoint.
From the moment Messi stepped onto the pitch, it was evident that age had not dulled his finesse or competitive spirit. His nimble footwork, silky dribbling skills and keen vision continued to bewitch, proving once again that class, indeed, is permanent. It was as if the Argentinian maestro had brought a sliver of his Catalonian magic, refined through his long tenure at Barcelona and later at Paris Saint-Germain, onto the American turf.
With the match hanging in the balance, Lionel Messi, seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and eternal footballing legend came off the bench to score one of his trademark curling free kicks in the 94th minute and win the match for Inter Miami, as the Southside outfit defeated Cruz Azul 2-1 in a Leagues Cup match.
As Messi wheeled away in celebration, his joy evident, it was clear that Miami had not just signed a footballer, but a living legend, one who continues to redefine the boundaries of this beautiful game.
In a world often obsessed with the future, Lionel Messi’s stunning Inter Miami introduction is a heartening affirmation of the present, a testament that the Argentine’s magical journey is far from over. As he starts this new chapter in his illustrious career, one can’t help but marvel at the legend that is Lionel Messi. The GOAT indeed keeps shining, now under the Miami sun.
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter
