The Argentinian star who helped Barcelona win four UEFA Champions League titles, curled in a stoppage-time free-kick in his debut for Inter Miami against Mexican side club Cruz Azul.
The crowd who watched his debut included sports celebrities, Serena Williams and LeBron James.
Messi was clearly happy with the outcome, saying:
“We wanted to start like this by giving these people a victory.
“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.”
Some fans ran into the pitch to celebrate Messis goal. They were quickly led away by security.
The seven-time Ballon dOr winner only started training with the Major League Soccer team on Tuesday.
Prior to moving to the United States, he played for Paris St-Germain, where he appeared in 75 games, scoring 32 goals.
The Inter Miami match is the first time that he has played for a club outside Europe but there were a number of familiar faces in his team.
Former teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have also made the move state-side.
“It is a huge joy to get this first victory after how we have done in the league,” Messi added.
“It is important to start winning, beyond the fact that it is another championship, for confidence it is very good to get victories.”
David Beckham, Inter Miami co-owner, was also watching Messi in his debut.
“To be honest, as soon as I saw the free-kick given I thought this is the way it’s meant to end,” said Beckham.
“Especially when you’ve got players like Leo and Sergio on the pitch, that’s what they produce.
“It’s so exciting tonight for our fans. All of these people that come down here to see Leo just step onto the pitch, let alone just do what he’s done. It’s a dream come true for everyone in this stadium to see.
“It’s such a moment for this country, such a moment for this league.”