Cruz azul jersey news12/28/2023 It was a bit of a mystery in recent days how much Messi, a World Cup champion for Argentina and someone who Beckham calls the best player ever, would be on the field in his debut. They chanted his name a few times, waved flags bearing his name and number. Messi took his seat and watched his new team, in the all-pink jersey, shorts and socks, start his new era.Īlmost every seat was filled, many by people wearing newly acquired Miami jerseys with Messi's name on the back. He got a hug and shared a few words with LeBron James - another guy who knows a thing or two about making a highly celebrated move to Miami, after he joined the Heat in 2010 and won his first two NBA titles in a four-year stay - on his way to the bench. He stopped for a few photos and handshakes as he entered the tunnel leading to the locker room. Messi arrived with the team about two hours before game time, dressed in the team colors - pink T-shirt, black shorts. Team officials said all tickets - about 21,000, in a newly expanded stadium - were sold. But the final act belonged to Messi, a storybook ending if there ever was one. Messi leaped from his seat, threw his hands in the air, applauded several times and broke into a wide smile.Ĭruz Azul tied the game shortly after Messi checked in and had plenty of chances to take a late lead. The first Inter Miami goal of the Messi era was scored by Robert Taylor, who took a long cross from Robbie Robinson, moved into the box and sent a low drive off the inside of the far post and into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead late in the first half. The wait was officially on: When was Messi coming in? He resumed warmups while the second half was getting under way, jogging around behind the end line near Miami's supporter section, and fans roared in delight when he gave them a wave.Īnd about eight minutes into the second half, the answer: It was Messi time. That's when the fans, finally, could put their phones down and take a breath. He warmed up for about 5 minutes during intermission with the other reserves before they all left for the locker room. Nobody even left their seats when the halftime whistle blew. He watched the ball sail into the net, something he's done about 800 times before for club and country, then sprinted to the right corner of the field and leaped into the arms of teammates. Waved at them while he was actually in the game.Īnd if that wasn't enough, he saved his best moment for the end. He waved at fans while he was seated on the bench. Play resumed for roughly a minute before the referee's whistle blew, and fireworks shot into the night sky. His left foot sent the ball over a wall of four Cruz Azul defenders and into the upper left corner of the net, unquestionably the greatest moment in Inter Miami's brief history. The game's greatest player - a seven-time Ballon d'Or winner - scored on a free kick from about 25 yards in the 94th minute, giving Inter Miami a 2-1 win over Mexican club Cruz Azul on Friday night in the Leagues Cup. He hugged the player he was replacing, midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi, then trotted onto the field as the estimated crowd of 21,000 all seemed to be standing with phones out to chronicle the moment.Lionel Messi made an unforgettable debut for Inter Miami. Messi checked in early in the second half with Inter Miami leading 1-0. The wait was officially on: When was Messi coming in? He resumed warmups while the second half was getting under way, jogging around behind the end line near Miami’s supporter section, and fans roared in delight when he gave them a wave.Īnd about eight minutes into the second half, the answer: It was Messi time. That’s when the fans, finally, could put their phones down and take a breath. “It’s such a moment for this country,” Beckham said.
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