Two years have handed since Lionel Messi made his debut for Inter Miami.
That evening he scored a luxurious last-minute match-winning free-kick, asserting his arrival in North America in basic Messi fashion.
The World Cup was nonetheless contemporary within the reminiscence. A record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or set to comply with. He was nonetheless arguably the best footballer on the planet, and he wasn’t going to disappoint his new viewers.
Messi is now approaching the ultimate few months of the two-and-a-half-year deal he initially signed after departing Europe in 2023. It’s protected to say that, no matter occurs subsequent, he’ll depart a legacy. Residing as much as the hype as the best participant to play their soccer in the US since Pele half a century in the past.
He instantly led Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup, the fledgeling membership’s first-ever piece of main silverware. Final season, the Supporters’ Protect adopted. Fifty-eight objectives and 28 assists in simply 69 appearances for the MLS outfit.
Now 38, he’s one way or the other not slowing down. Over 700 days on from first arrival, it’s the identical because it ever was. Mexican opposition. Leagues Cup. A second of inspiration to make it 2-1 within the dying moments.
This time round, it was an help slightly than a objective.
He’d already arrange Inter Miami’s opener with an unselfish cut-back and he did the identical within the closing seconds.
In his traditional spot, able to pounce on the sting of the Atlas’ penalty space, Jordi Alba’s cushioned move discovered him. A deft one-two with Luis Suarez carved open the backline. Clear by and with solely the keeper to beat…
Messi as a substitute had the presence of thoughts to play it into the trail of Marcelo Weigandt, arriving to faucet dwelling.
One other BEAUTIFUL Messi help to arrange @InterMiamiCF’s game-winning objective 🤩
(Through @LeaguesCup)
pic.twitter.com/DcT3zBPQRg— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 31, 2025
Inter Miami’s wild celebrations have been initially dampened by the linesman’s flag, however a fast VAR examine deemed that Messi performed it backwards to seek out Weigandt, who was nearly behind him.
In a uncommon show of emotion, Messi instantly sought out Atlas attacker Matias Coccaro to present him each barrels with a little bit of trash discuss.
“I’m truly fairly stunned that he was so joyful to win this recreation,” Atlas supervisor Gonzalo Pineda responded to a uncommon outburst of emotion from Messi.
“I imply, he’s gained a lot, and he’s normally fairly sober.”
Issues cooled instantly after the ultimate whistle as Messi and Coccaro appeared to have patched issues up. However the incident reveals Messi’s nonetheless received the starvation.
That caps off Messi’s finest month but out within the States. Six matches. Eight objectives. 4 assists. The one potential winner of MLS’s July Participant of the Month award.
As soon as once more, Messi would possibly truly be getting higher. Pray for MLS defences.
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TRY A QUIZ: Are you able to identify each trophy that Lionel Messi has gained in his profession?
