Argentina star Lionel Messi curled in a stunning stoppage-time free-kick on his Inter Miami debut to clinch a 2-1 victory against Mexican side Cruz Azul.
Messi, 36, struck in the fourth minute of added time as his Major League Soccer side won the Leagues Cup tie.
The 20,000-capacity crowd included celebrities such as basketball’s LeBron James, tennis legend Serena Williams and US TV star Kim Kardashian.
“We wanted to start like this by giving these people a victory,” said Messi.
“We knew that it was very important for us to start this championship in a winning fashion. Luckily we were able to do it in the end, and I am very happy.”
Smoke bombs in Miami’s pink colour were let off behind the goal at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale as some fans ran onto the pitch to celebrate Messi’s goal before being led away by security.
It continued the party atmosphere that started on Sunday when Messi was officially unveiled to fans in front of another capacity crowd in south Florida.