FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA –Wow, Lionel Messi. With only seconds remaining in his Inter Miami debut, the world’s greatest football player delivered a scriptwriter’s dream ending.

Deep into injury time and with Inter’s League Cup match against Cruz Azul heading to penalties, Messi unleashed a spectacular free-kick to secure a 2-1 victory.

Simply put, signing the Argentinian superstar just eight months after winning the World Cup was a huge deal for Miami, MLS, and American soccer. Messi, as he has done so many times before, delivered the dream finish just when it was needed.

His eagerly awaited debut for Inter Miami began with the Argentine superstar on the bench. It was time after 53 minutes on Friday night. Messi finished his stretching routine, fiddled with his cleats a little, waited patiently for play to stop, and then took his first steps into a brand-new chapter.

Messi came off the bench due to a lack of game time, but the DRV PNK Stadium crowd was unconcerned. They chanted his name and stamped their feet until the Argentine superstar and World Cup winner was brought on to replace Benjamin Cremaschi.

Inter Miami took the lead just before halftime through Finland midfielder Robert Taylor, but Cruz Azul equalised on 65 minutes with a beautiful strike from Uriel Antuna.

Messi arrived at DRV PNK Stadium just under two hours before kickoff, but was listed as a substitute on the official team list.

Due to Messi’s lack of recent competitive action and limited training activity since announcing his move to Major League Soccer, the move was expected.

Sergio Busquets, who spent many successful years playing alongside Messi at Barcelona, also started on the bench.

Messi appeared at ease as he walked into the stadium from the team bus, pausing briefly to pose for selfies with fans.

The 36-year-old has been hailed as a monumentally important signing for Inter Miami, MLS in general, and American soccer in general, with his move coming just eight months after he led Argentina to a dramatic World Cup victory.

However, he must be patient before assuming his full role. Messi has not played 90 minutes since scoring in Argentina’s 2-0 friendly international win over Australia on June 15 in Beijing. Meanwhile, Busquets has not played competitively since May 28.

There was, predictably, some heavyweight celebrity presence as well. LeBron James was in the building, posing for photos with Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham and his former pop star wife Victoria before the game. Serena Williams and Kim Kardashian were nearby, watching as Messi made his way to the bench and the pre-match festivities came to an end.

As the crowd chanted Messi’s name, Messi and James shared a warm embrace and some kind words were passed from arguably one GOAT to another.