Argentina skipper Lionel Messi scored the winning free kick during his 176th appearance for the national side, helping them secure a 1-0 win over Ecuador
Since joining the Florida team on a free transfer last month, Messi has netted nine goals in six appearances in the Leagues Cup, an annual tournament involving teams from the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In the third minute at Subaru Park, Venezuelan forward Josef Martinez handed the hosts an advantage as he received Sergii Kryvtsov's pass and calmly placed the ball past goalkeeper Andre Blake, as reported by Xinhua.
Tuesday night's display by Messi against Atlanta United in the Leagues Cup highlighted the profound impact that the right player can make on an entire club.
Messi, adorned in the club's colors, not only graced the pitch but also left an indelible mark, securing a remarkable win against LIGA MX side Cruz Azul with a last-minute free-kick.
A news conference is scheduled for Monday, his first official training session is set for Tuesday and — if all goes to plan — he will play Friday in a Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul
Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri has taken his goal tally to 90 and has surpassed Mokhtar Dahari of Malaysia (with 89 goals) to climb to the fourth spot