Lionel Messi - Leagues Cup 2023: Cruz Azul v Inter Miami CF
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - Lionel Messi (#10) of Inter Miami CF celebrates the game winning goal after defeating Cruz Azul during the Leagues Cup 2023 match between Cruz Azul and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on July 21, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Lionel Messi had a dream debut for Inter Miami last Friday night, scoring from a free kick in the 94th minute of the match to give his new team the Leagues Cup victory over Mexican side Cruz Azul at the roaring DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham was in tears after the last-gasp goal, but he was not surprised that it ended that way.

"To be honest, as soon as I saw the free kick given, I thought, 'This is the way it's meant to end'. Especially when you've got players like Leo and Sergio [Busquets] on the pitch, that's what they produce," the 48-year-old said.

Sergio Busquets also made his Inter Miami debut in the same match, and many noticed his familiarity with Messi, knowing his positioning and giving him the right passes.

The two played together for FC Barcelona for over a decade, from 2008 to 2021, and Busquets is the player whom Messi played the most games and minutes in his whole career.

Stars in awe of Lionel Messi

Other prominent personalities who made the trip to South Florida to witness Messi's first game in the club's pink shirt were Lakers superstar LeBron James, tennis legend Serena Williams and TV star Kim Kardashian.

Messi spoke English on social media for the first time when he thanked the NBA's all-time leading scorer for attending the match.

The 36-year-old also gave Saint West, Kardashian's son with rapper Kanye West, a photo opportunity and an autographed shirt.