Minute 90+3 in the match against Cruz Azul, when the two teams were holding each other 1-1, the away team Inter Miami received a direct free kick from a distance of about 30 meters. Lionel Messi took on the responsibility after being brought onto the field from the bench. The 36-year-old superstar took a rhythm, kept his breath steady, took a few small steps back and another masterpiece was born.

Needless to say about the enthusiasm in the stands at Lockhart Stadium, all fans of both the home team and the away team were crazy about the rainbow line Messi drew into the opponent’s net. Many people in the stands celebrated in the colors of the Argentina national team. On the training bench, captain Tata Martino looked proud of his compatriot. In the stands, David Beckham almost cried because he was moved by El Pulga’s superb free kick.

It was the 42nd time in his career that Messi scored from the free kick. Previously, with Barca and PSG, he had scored many times, but this time it had a very different meaning. That was the first goal for the new team in the twilight of his career. There’s nothing more perfect than the scenario of launching a new home with a masterpiece like Messi did.

“Finally, I left my mark. I stepped up to the penalty spot like I always do. Luckily, the ball finally hit the target and the other team’s goalkeeper couldn’t block it.

I’m happy that I and the whole team won. Just like other arenas we have played before, the goal of winning is something that does not change. Inter Miami wanted to win this match, and I saw a moment that could make a difference. It would be difficult if the club had to enter a penalty shootout, so I had to score to avoid that situation,” Messi shared after the match.

Even though this was the 42nd time Messi scored a free kick in his career, more than 20,000 fans at Lockhart Stadium still couldn’t help but go crazy for the 35-year-old superstar.

Over the past week, Inter Miami co-owners Jorge Mas and David Beckham as well as captain Gerardo Martino have talked repeatedly about how an outstanding star like Messi would choose the team ranked bottom in the MLS region. West to join the army. M10 did not come here to be pressured, he came here to roam and the free kick against Cruz Azul had the same meaning.

That was further evidenced in his performance on the field since El Pulga was introduced in the 54th minute. He faked passing people, passed accurately, disturbed the opponent’s defense and left a highlight. Messi showed the American audience how playing soccer is different from soccer.

Robert Taylor – the person who opened the score for Inter Miami – and captain Martino both shared the same opinion that when Messi stands in front of the free kick at such a sensitive moment, a goal is almost certain to come. The entire Inter Miami squad seemed crazy about Messi, both the players running on the field and those on the bench.

The stars coming to MLS from Europe are not all as successful and widely sought after as Messi. Previously, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was a rare case. He also left his mark on the launch day of LA Galaxy and made everyone exclaim in admiration. Now, Messi can not only do the same thing, the influence and value he brings to MLS is much greater than Ibra.