The new Inter Miami star has broken Diego Maradona’s record but is still behind Herons co-owner David Beckham.
Roddy ConsRoddyConsUpdate: Jul 22nd, 2023 06:02 EDT
Sam NavarroUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
It was written in the stars. On his much-anticipated debut for Inter Miami, Lionel Messi comes off the bench and wins the Leagues Cup fixture against Cruz Azul by scoring a free-kick deep into injury time. Cue incredible scenes in the DRV PNK Stadium and Herons co-owner David Beckham losing it in the stands. The Liga MX club scoring an equalising goal minutes after the Argentina captain had come on did just enough to make the script believable.
Watch Messi, Miami and the rest of the Leagues Cup via live stream on AppleTV
GRITÁLO LEO 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/IshpSiUstf
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 22, 2023
Messi breaks another of Maradona’s records
Since bursting onto the scene in the early 2000s, Messi has been constantly compared and contrasted with Diego Maradona, his idol, as is the case for so many in Argentina. Last year, the 36-year-old repeated his compatriot’s feat of leading his country to the World Cup trophy, and during the tournament surpassed his tallies of World Cup appearances and goals.
And thanks to his strike against Cruz Azul, he has now beaten another one of Maradona’s records. According to soccer stats gurus Opta, Messi scored the 63rd free-kick of his career on Friday, moving him ahead of the former Napoli star. Those 63 can be broken down as follows:
Lionel Messi's free-kick goals
Barcelona – 50Argentina – 10PSG – 2Inter Miami – 1
🦩🔟Last-minute free-kick winner on his debut? Sounds about Messi. pic.twitter.com/mNaXjKZmO9
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) July 22, 2023
