37 years after Diego Maradona led Argentina to a global triumph in Mexico, Lionel Messi proved to be the catalyst in their latest World Cup campaign in Qatar. The Argentine maestro shocked the footballing world by announcing his against-the-odds move to MLS side Inter Miami despite having other lucrative offers from various clubs.
Amidst the flurry of transfer news and rumours, the seven times Ballon d’Or winner gathered all the spotlight after his heroics in the closing stages of his Inter Miami debut. The Argentine maestro’s debut became a star-studded event, with high-profile celebrities such as Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian, club owner David Beckham, and four-time NBA champion LeBron James in attendance.
Celebrities react to Lionel Messi’s spectacular debut goal
Despite coming on as a substitute, the Albiceleste’s captain proved to be the decisive factor for the MLS side. The stadium erupted with excitement when manager Gerardo Martino brought on the ex-Barcelona duo of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets in the 54th minute. Before the match, a heartwarming moment was shared between the Argentine maestro and NBA superstar LeBron James, capturing the attention of sporting fans worldwide.
What a spectacular photo! đŸ”¥#Messi gears up for his debut with Inter Miami. Two champions like Serena Williams and LeBron James capture the moment. And Kim Kardashian watches from the front row.
Today marks a before and after in MLS history. pic.twitter.com/sLwLrjfbXl
— MARCA in English (@MARCAinENGLISH) July 22, 2023
The presence of high-profile celebrities like American model Kim Kardashian and tennis legend Serena Williams at the event showcased the widespread admiration for the 36-year-old superstar. Victoria Beckham, showing support for her husband David Beckham’s team, was also among the attendees. The emotional moment when Lionel Messi scored a last-minute free kick for Inter Miami left the former England international in tears.
The reaction of Kim Kardashian, Serena Williams, Beckham and his family to Messi’s goal. đŸ¤Ÿ
— FCB Albiceleste (@FCBAlbiceleste) July 22, 2023
Lionel Messi hugs his kids after his late game-winner free kick
In a thrilling match against Mexican side Cruz Azul, Lionel Messi once again displayed his class by scoring a perfect free kick from 25 yards in the 94th minute, securing Inter Miami a 2-1 victory. The DRV PNK Stadium erupted with joy as Messi celebrated his debut goal by sprinting away before embracing his kids on the touchline.
Social media was ablaze with admiration for the 36-year-old superstar, one tweet described, “When you know exactly what someone is going to do and you can’t stop it from happening.” Another fan exclaimed, “NOT EVEN HOLLYWOOD CAN WRITE A SCRIPT THIS GOOD!” And yet another tweeted, “A perfect World Cup now a perfect debut one last time, the script of fate surely favours Lionel Messi every time.”
Messi hugging his kids after his insane last minute winner pic.twitter.com/l7eFtdQkuA
— MC (@CrewsMat10) July 22, 2023
After a string of defeats, the arrival of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba has spread optimism among the Inter Miami supporters. The big question that arises is, can the Barcelona trio help the American side to reach the playoffs of the MLS?
