PicoBlog

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami debut was one for the ages, something out of a movie script, and an encouraging first sign of what may be to come for both him and the team.

Messi’s South Florida odyssey started in dream fashion this past Friday, with the Inter Miami star producing a stunning last-gasp winner via a magical free kick that bested Cruz Azul, 2-1, in the Leagues Cup. Messi did not just dazzle and deliver on that unforgettable 94th-minute play at Drv Pnk Stadium, but also throughout his entire substitute cameo.

He was not the only one that performed well for La Rosanegra, however. Sergio Busquets, Drake Callender, Kamal Miller and Robert Taylor were among the others to impress as Gerardo Martino’s men created a sense of optimism for the future.

Drake Callender (7.5) — Vital to the victory. He stopped everything that came his way aside from Cruz Azul’s equalizer, which marked a rare blunder for him.

Ian Fray (3) — The talented centerback looked uncomfortable playing out of position at right back and struggled before suffering his latest devastating knee injury.

Sergii Kryvtsov (5.5) — Finished the game better than he started, making several interventions while still not looking as sturdy as he has in the past.

Kamal Miller (6.5) — Should have been tighter on his mark on the leveler, but he was the best Inter Miami field player in the first half thanks to his stout defending and precise outlet passes.

DeAndre Yedlin (6) — Was significantly better once he was moved to right back, especially after Messi entered and freed up space for the defender down the flank.

David Ruiz (5.5) — Battled hard in the center of the park without being overly influential on either side of the ball.

Dixon Arroyo (5.5) — Stuck chasing shadows in the first half, but improved when the subs came on and finished the match as a defensive-minded right midfielder.

Benjamin Cremaschi (4.5) — While he covered a lot of ground and had a couple of good interventions, he struggled against Cruz Azul’s shifty midfielders before being replaced by Messi.

Robert Taylor (7.5) — His opening goal reminded everyone of his 1-on-1 abilities, but he also showed off his versatility by capably playing three different positions.

Leonardo Campana (4.5) — Had a pair of half-chances in the first half that he needed to do better on, though he was overall starved of service up top.

Robbie Robinson (6) — Gutted it out during the final 20 minutes despite clear physical exhaustion, was better with his defensive assignments, and delivered a good assist.

Noah Allen (6.5) — Entered the match sharply while also providing some better runs forward from his left back spot to help balance out the attack.

Lionel Messi (9.5) — Played just 36 minutes but was the team’s most dangerous attacker, scoring an incredible winner at the death with seemingly relative ease, dishing out a pair of quality through balls, and giving the team more futbol with his combinations and penetrating dribbles.

Sergio Busquets (7.5) — Introduced a calmness and composure that was sorely needed in the middle of the pitch, and he constantly linked up with Messi with an array of quality passes.

Josef Martinez (6) — Combined well with Messi, but should have done better on a good 1-on-1 look that he had following a nice feed from the Argentine.

Christopher McVey (6) — Stepped in late for a tiring Miller and fulfilled his role at the back.

Gerardo Martino (6.5) — Inserting Messi and Busquets together changed the complexion of the game, and there were some other effective tactical adjustments made after an admittedly poor first half.

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