Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi announced his League Cup first-round win over Cruz Azul was dedicated to his teammate Jan Frey, who sustained a heavy injury in the locker room. The announcement came from the club’s press office and the team communicated the message through MLS channels.
Messi said the victory was for Frey, noting that the defender had already endured two serious injuries and faced bad luck again on this occasion. The gesture underscored the strong bond within the Inter Miami squad and the support players offer one another during tough times.
The clash took place at Inter Miami Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and finished with the home side edging Cruz Azul 2-1. Messi delivered the decisive moment with a free kick goal in the 94th minute, sealing the win for his team.
Earlier in the season, Inter Miami announced Messi would join the club on a free transfer. The move marked a high-profile addition to the squad and generated widespread interest in Major League Soccer and beyond.
Messi previously spent two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain, where his contract ran through June 2023. In the last campaign with PSG, he recorded 16 goals and 16 assists across 32 league appearances, highlighting his continued influence at the top level of European football.
Before joining PSG, the Argentine star spent 18 years with Barcelona. There he helped the team win ten Spanish league titles, seven domestic cups, and four Champions League trophies, building a legacy that many regard as one of football history’s finest. The Ballon d’Or crown, awarded seven times, stands as a testament to his era of excellence.
The latest Inter Miami triumph followed Messi’s first competitive win with the club, a milestone welcomed by fans and teammates alike as the team grows in profile and ambition.