The score was tied. Everything was going to be decided in the last action of the game: a free kick from Lionel Messi.
The Argentinian has settled into the center, armed with that confidence that only one of the greatest in the sport is capable of. He took two steps, caressed the ball with his left foot before it rounded the wall and hugged the skylight. Then it was euphoria.
The fireworks, the delirious supporters, the genuine smile on the face of number 10 who went to join his children, all contributed to building the instant legend that is this stroke of genius. Anyway, that’s how the Pulga’s first game with Inter Miami ended. It concluded with the beginning of a new chapter in the history of soccer in North America.
“What I looked at is the goal. I knew I had to score, it was the last action of the game. I wanted to score so that we didn’t go to penalties afterwards. It was very important for us to get this victory, it’s a new tournament, it will give us confidence for the future,” Messi said after the meeting on Apple TV.
Messi may not measure it, but this strike is anything but anecdotal. On the other hand, there is no need to pass the message on to David Beckham, co-owner of the club, who has already grasped the magnitude of the moment.
He knows what he’s talking about, dear Beckham. The former glory of Real Madrid and Manchester United had also taken MLS to a new level on July 21, 2007, when they played for the Los Angeles Galaxy for the first time. Sixteen years later to the day, Messi took over.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner made his entrance in the 54th minute after the crowd had been calling for him repeatedly since the start of the game. He immediately inherited the captain’s armband and proved himself worthy of it like no other.
At 36, Messi isn’t on the pitch doing cardio and performing defensive duties. When he touches the ball, his talent has no equal. For a first meeting, he showed great combinations with striker Josef Martínez and his former FC Barcelona teammate – whom he brought with him in his luggage – Sergio Busquets.
Either way, if he can deliver more such magical moments over the next two seasons, Beckham, MLS and Apple can all say “mission accomplished.”
No one claimed otherwise for the occasion, everything revolved around Messi. Every camera has been trained on the Argentine star, showing him on screen at every possible opportunity. The event also attracted the elite of society.
LeBron James, Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian and Sergio Agüero were all in the ring for this historic day for soccer in North America.
In fact, the whole week was dedicated to Messi. In an attempt to meet seating demands, two huge removable sections, on loan from the Formula 1 Grand Prix, have been added to the Drive Pink Stadium. All the tickets found takers despite exorbitant prices.
Even at the first Pulga training open to members of the media earlier this week, around 200 journalists were on hand. This is unheard of for the circuit.
The same effect was felt in the lineup. Messi’s arrival led to that of his FC Barcelona friends, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. The latter, who is not yet with the team, will certainly be able to render great services in the left lane.
Until then, television channels and social networks will take care of presenting this little moment in history that was written before our eyes.