Lionel Messi scored twice and assisted another in a jaw-dropping full debut for Inter Miami against Atlanta United.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner came off the bench to score a stunning last-gasp free-kick winner against Cruz Azul on Friday in what was the most viewed football game in America in history.
David Beckham was in tears after Messi curled home one in the 94th minute and the Inter co-owner will have been in awe by what Messi produced in his first start for the Herons.
Inter, who had won just once in ten games before the greatest all of time turned up, smashed their opponents 4-0 in the Leagues Cup match at the DRV PNK Stadium.
Messi struck a brace in 22 minutes to continue his electric start to life across the pond. He opened the scoring in the eighth minute, beating the offside trap and latching onto a perfect pass from long-time teammate Sergio Busquets.
He hit the post with his first effort but the ball rebounded back to him and he slotted home past Brad Buzan with his right peg.
Advert
Messi then doubled the lead with another weak foot goal, getting on the hand of Robert Taylor's cut-back from the left.
Taylor, who played Non-League in England, went on to match Messi in bagging a brace - with his second goal set up by the Barcelona legend's first Inter assist.
Messi darted up the pitch with the ball on the counter and slid in the Finland international, who supplied a smart finish.
Prior to Messi's arrival, Inter had never won a game but a four-goal deficit but the World Cup winner has quickly transformed their fortunes under Gerardo Martino.
Advert
He left the pitch to thunderous ovation in the 78th minute, passing the armband to DeAndre Yedlin and hugging compatriot Thiago Almada of Atlanta as he exited the turf.
Messi has played just 114 minutes of football for Inter, scoring three and setting up one. He's not even played his first official MLS game yet and he needs just 26 goals to usurp former teammate Gonzalo Higuain and become the club's record goalscorer.
Some, including Wayne Rooney, had said Messi wouldn't find it easy across the pond but his first two outings suggest otherwise.
Advert
“He’s the best player in the world. This is what he does,” teammate Taylor said afterwards in an interview with Apple TV.
“It’s a dream come true to play with him.”
Next up for Messi and Inter is the round of 32 in the Leagues Cup, where they will face Orlando City, Houston Dynamo or Santos Laguna from Mexico.
Topics: Inter Miami, Lionel Messi, MLS, David Beckham
Josh Lawless