Lionel Messi stole the show with a last-minute free-kick to rob Inter Miami of victory, but he learned a lot about his new team during his debut.
Lionel Messi may have robbed Inter Miami of victory in the final stages of his debut, but he still learned a lot about his new team.
Messi’s brilliance helped Inter Miami win 2-1 in their League Cup opener against Cruz Azul. Messi’s sublime free-kick deserves to win any match, but it wasn’t a direct debut until then.
He started on the bench and saw the Cruz Azul dominate the first half hour, with the home side only taking the lead just before the break. Messi was then introduced after half-time along with Sergio Busquets as the visitors leveled and then fired home the winner.
Handed the captain’s armband as soon as he stepped onto the pitch, Messi stayed calm until he had some space and won the free-kick in the dying seconds.
All eyes were on Messi and he stole the headlines. But Messi himself will have learned a lot about his new teammates as he sees them in action in the flesh for the first time. Here are five things he learned from his first experience at Inter Miami.
His playing level
Reunited with former Barcelona manager Tata Martino, Messi got a first-hand look at how he would be used in Inter Miami’s tactical setup.
Messi was introduced from the bench after about 50 minutes and was immediately given the captain’s armband. He was given much freer control, moving from the right wing and often finding space in the No.10 position.
It’s not surprising to see him come deep with the freedom he’s been given and him constantly getting on the ball and trying to make things happen. It was clear after watching his first game that the team will be set up to make Messi tick.
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Work to be done
If Lionel Messi was under any illusions about the scale of his task in Miami, he couldn’t have had many doubts after watching him from the bench.
The home side were comfortably second-best in the first half without Messi on the pitch and the visitors were fortunate not to have a cutting edge in the final third. It was an unforgettable performance and a stark reminder to Messi why his team is at the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference.
The only thing that kept Inter Miami from falling behind early on was their last line of defense – goalkeeper Drake Callander. The 25-year-old made eye-catching and crucial saves to keep home the game.
Messi was impressed by his goalkeeper’s ability to keep his side in the game. If he can continue to perform, Messi will have a chance to win some games at the other end and transfer to his new side.
A little more quality
Despite all of Miami’s problems at the moment, Messi has seen some quality in his new side.
After being against most of the first half, they took the lead against the run of play through Robert Taylor. Right-back Robbie Robinson found the goal well-placed into the bottom corner and off the post after an excellent diagonal pass.
The celebration from the bench was enough to get Messi off his feet, and Messi was impressed by the individual quality of both Robinson and Taylor for the first Inter Miami goal of the era.
Busquets’ deal is huge
There’s a reason Sergio Busquets was a key asset when Barcelona and Lionel Messi were at the height of their powers. It was clear that his arrival was crucial when watching Inter Miami.
For large parts of the first half, the action was open and the Cruz Azul were able to pass through Inter Miami’s midfield at will. Like Messi, Busquets was out of the lineup and was on the bench as he builds up to full fitness after his move.
What is clear is that a player in his mold – someone who can break up play and bring control to a team – is exactly what Inter Miami needs. Messi’s arrival is fascinating, but alongside Busquets is key to making it a success.
The pair were introduced at the same time after half-time and were able to enjoy their introductions together. Busquets’ arrival meant the game was noticeably less open and Miami looked more solid despite Cruz Azul scoring a leveller.
star power
Lionel Messi must have known he would make a big impact in Miami, but the extent of his star power among his fellow stars was on full display in his first game.
Among the star-studded crowd in Fort Lauderdale was NBA superstar LeBron James. James posed for a picture in the stands with David Beckham before the game and also shared a hug with Messi on the touchline.
Kim Kardashian attended with her children, Serena Williams and various celebrities. Everyone knows that Messi will be a big draw, but it’s immediately apparent that he can make the biggest names want to watch him.
It will be interesting to see who returns next week against Atlanta United.
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