Lionel Messi debut: Inter Miami fans go WILD as World Cup winner enters play to make highly-anticipated debut

Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated MLS debut sparked the expected hysteria as he came off the bench for Inter Miami.

Messi started from the bench against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup match, but coach Tata Martino brought the Argentine superstar onto the pitch in the 53rd minute. There were typical flashes of his brilliance, but despite chances, no final product materialized as both teams had to settle for penalties.

His former Barcelona team-mate Sergio Busquets joined him on the bench, finishing seconds behind Messi. as the South Florida side entered its first Group J game. As he warmed up, chants of “Messi” echoed through the stadium.

Fans turned up early in anticipation of seeing the Argentine as supporters lined up before the gates opened, an hour and a half before kick-off.

They enjoyed fan zone events, with long lines out of the team store and tailgating enjoyed for up to three hours after kickoff.

Messi warmed up at the start of the second half and came to much fanfare in the 53rd

There was hardly a phone in anyone’s pocket as the World Cup winner walked by

Antonela Roccuzzo, Messi’s wife, watches as her children sit underneath – ahead of his debut

Messi arrived at the stadium to much fanfare at the same time as he struggled to get through the tunnel without being shouted at by fans.

He was stopped for a few selfies, including by Cruz Azul staff. Jorge Mas entered the field as fans filled the stands in Fort Lauderdale.

The Inter Miami co-owner conducted the crowd and received critical acclaim for his latest feat. He dreamed of this day before Inter Miami kicked a ball.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner took part in his first training session with the team on Tuesday, two days after his glitzy unveiling in front of a packed house at the team’s DRV PNK stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

The rampant excitement over Messi’s arrival on the pitch came as no surprise to anyone.

Inter Miami announced late on Thursday that the tickets for the Cruz Azul match were officially sold out and that there were no free seats available for the first time this season.

Tickets for the event had risen sharply ahead of the confirmation of Messi’s arrival from PSG. Some scalpers were offered obscene prizes for the chance to see the maestro in person – up to $110,000.

Messi has already been seen settling into his new life in Miami – and was spotted at Publix, amid much social media amusement.

Those crammed into Inter Miami’s DRV PNK stadium were ecstatic at this historic moment

Messi was unveiled in front of David and Victoria Beckham, alongside LeBron James

Inter Miami supporters showed their love for Messi with a tifo reading; ‘Welcome to the family’

Cruz Azul stunned the home side with a well-executed equalizer after Messi’s introduction

He was officially unveiled as an Inter Miami player in an elaborate ceremony in Fort Lauderdale Sunday, with fans braving storms and heavy rain to see Messi in the flesh.

David Beckham’s Inter Miami are in dire need of some Messi magic in the league as an aside.

It has not won in 11 MLS games and is last in the Eastern Conference – 12 points off the playoff positions.