Robert Taylor in dreamland after new team-mate Lionel Messi celebrates his goal

23.07.2023 - 23:25 breakingnews.ie

From considering his future on non-league Lincoln Moorlands Railway’s bench to Lionel Messi celebrating his goal, Inter Miami midfielder Robert Taylor’s story is something else.

The eyes of the footballing world were focused on DRV PNK Stadium on Friday evening as the Argentinian magician began his new chapter Stateside.

Messi’s Miami debut has been years in the making and proved worth the wait as he came off the bench to score a stunning free-kick winner against Cruz Azul in stoppage time.

The 2-1 League Cup victory was a dream debut for the 36-year-old and a surreal moment for new team-mates like Taylor, who also played alongside Sergio Busquets for the first time.

Football soccer PA exclusive Lionel Messi Sergio Busquets Inter Miami Cruz Azul Sweden Finland Argentina Norway county Taylor

Argentina football star Lionel Messi has been on top of his game in United States of America. The legend continues to shine for his new club Inter Miami. Messi made it eight goals in five games for the club as it stormed into the semi-finals of the Leagues Cup with a convincing win over Charlotte FC on Friday. 4-0 was the scoreline in favour of Inter Miami and the goals also included one from Messi. The football superstar hit the back of the net in the 86th minute of the game.

Lionel Messi in life after Rangers lesson to Scott Arfield as superstar 'unites' teammates with touch of class

Charlotte FC midfielder Scott Arfield was given a Major League Soccer reality check after Lionel Messi showed his class when facing the former Rangers man for Inter Miami.

Lionel Messi scores again as Inter Miami sail into Leagues Cup semi-finals

Lionel Messi continued his scoring streak as he helped Inter Miami seal a 4-0 victory over Charlotte FC in their Leagues Cup quarter-final in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Watch: Lionel Messi Magic In Miami Again! Scores 8th Goal In 5 Games To Guide Cub To Leagues Cup Semi-finals

Lionel Messi made it eight goals in five games for Inter Miami as they eased into the semi-finals of the Leagues Cup with a 4-0 win over Charlotte FC on Friday. The Argentine slotted in Miami's fourth goal in the 86th minute of what was a relatively routine victory for Gerardo Martino's team. Miami will travel north to face the Philadelphia Union for Tuesday's semi-final after they beat Mexican team Queretaro 2-1.

Weeks After Questioning Lionel Messi's Signing, Inter Miami Goalkeeper Sees Contract Terminated

Arguably the greatest footballer of all time, Lionel Messi broght an end to his European adventure as he signed for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami. While it was reported that Messi also had the opportunity to sign for a Saudi Arabian club, the Argentine chose to continue his career in the United States of America. However, Inter Miami goalkeeper Nick Marsman wasn't too pleased to see Messi joining his side as he felt the MLS wasn't prepared to have a player of his stature. Just a few months after questioning the Messi signing, the goalkeeper saw his Inter Miami contract getting terminated.

Watch: Lionel Messi's Stunning Free-kick In 4-4 Goal Fest For Inter Miami Against Dallas

The entire Europe has seen Lionel Messi scoring clutch goals for Barcelona over the years in his club career. On Sunday, even Major League Soccer saw the Argentine maestro rising to the occasion and scoring a much-needed equaliser for the club from a free-kick. Messi, known for scoring some of the most spectacular free-kicks in his distinguished football career, put the ball past the FC Dallas goalkeeper late in the game, helping his team equalise 4-4 and pushing the Leagues Cup Round of 16 match into the penalty shootout.