Lionel Messi's debut for Inter Miami was most watched American football match in TV history

Lionel Messi is well renowned for breaking records, and the little magician can add another to his name after his debut for Inter Miami.

The 36-year-old made his long-awaited debut for Inter Miami on Saturday in front of a packed DRV PNK Stadium which included the likes of Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian and LeBron James and the club's owner, David Beckham.

Messi's night could not have got any better, coming off the bench to score a dramatic stoppage time free-kick and seal a 2-1 win over Cruz Azul.

The goal sent the home crowd into raptures, with Beckham reduced to tears on the sidelines before embracing the World Cup winner after the full-time whistle.

But while 20,000+ fans were in attendance watched the free-kick in person, millions more tuned in at home to witness the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.

In fact, the game was reportedly the most watched American football match in USA television history with approximately 12.5 million viewers, as Messi created more history.

Fans were quick to react to Twitter account @ChaaliiyKay, who shared the viewing figures, with supporters hailing him 'the GOAT'.

"He’s the GOAT," one fan wrote, before another quipped: "Someone check on Cristiano. He's going through it right now."

A third said: "No one comes close", while a fourth wrote: "The GOAT effect"

"In case you’re wondering, this is more views than the NBA finals", a fifth fan exclaimed.

Speaking for the first time as an Inter Miami player after the game, Messi explained his free-kick to Apple TV: "What I saw was the goal. I saw the goal, I knew I had to score. It was the last play of the game, and I wanted to score so we didn’t go to penalties.

"It was very important for us to get this win because in the tournament it’s going to give us confidence moving forward."