Lionel Messi makes his Inter Miami debut, checks in during 2nd half against Cruz Azul

By TIM REYNOLDS
AP Sports Writer

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi’s debut gameday with Inter Miami has arrived. Messi was not in the starting lineup for Friday night’s game with Inter Miami taking on Cruz Azul in a Leagues Cup match at his new home stadium. He checked in early in the second half. Team officials said all tickets for the match were sold, though thousands were available on secondary markets on game day. Messi signed a 2 1/2-year contract with Inter Miami this past weekend, and the deal will pay him between $50 million and $60 million annually. Miami co-owner David Beckham calls Messi the best player ever.