Reflecting on the game, Messi said to Apple TV, “It was a very good game for us. We were looking for a match like this one and to give a win to these fans. I want to thank all these people. They are making me feel very welcomed here so I’m very happy to give this victory back to them.”
Despite having the worst record in MLS, Miami was off to a perfect start in its new era, thanks to Messi’s goal.
The Buzz Around Messi’s Debut
Every movement of Messi was met with feverish anticipation by the fans. When he skilfully outwitted Cruz Azul’s defenders in the 67th minute, the resulting cheer from the crowd could have outdone the noise of any jet departing from the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport nearby.
Co-owner of Inter Miami, David Beckham, expressed his pride, stating, “It’s such a moment for this country. It’s such a moment for the league. And it’s a very proud moment for us.”
In a fitting response to those suggesting his move to South Beach was just an end-of-career vacation, Messi’s debut performance was an emphatic statement of intent.
