Lionel Messi had a dream start for Inter Miami. While he was not part of the team's starting XI in their Leagues Cup 2023 opener, he came in as a second half substitute and made a real impact on the game. He initially affected some amazing passes and created chances before netting in an injury time free-kick goal which helped his side win 2-1 over the Mexican rivals Cruz Azul. Messi had taken the penalty from just outside the penalty area in the 94th minute but found a way to find the back of the net with his left-foot.
WATCH | Lionel Messi Debuts For Inter Miami With Match-Winning Free Kick In Extra Time Against Cruz Azul
Messi is widely regarded as one of if not the Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T) by fans and experts alike. And as the legendary football star, who led Argentina to FIFA World Cup victory in Qatar last year, scored his 808th goal of his professional career, in a tribute to the seven-time Ballon d'Or Winner, Lay’s made a video of the 808 GOATS that combined to form his face.
The video has gone viral on social media, receiving millions of views already.
Notably, Messi joined Major League Soccer-side Inter Miami after his stint with Ligue 1 gians Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). This marked the end of his dominance in European football at least for now for who knows what lies ahead of him given his skills on the football pitch. The 36-year-old reportedly also had an offer from a Saudi Arabian club which would have meant a new chapter in the Cristiano Ronalo and Lionel Messi rivalry with Ronaldo playing for Al-Nassr already but that was not to be as Messi chose Miami.
FC Barcelona, the club where he spent the longest time of his professional career, also offered a homecoming to Messi but respected his decision of heading to US.