Lionel Messi Scores Debut MLS Goal in Inter Miami’s 2-0 Victory
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi made his much-anticipated Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season debut for Inter Miami, and it was a memorable one. Messi, who joined the team earlier this month, made an impact in the 60th minute as a substitute with Inter Miami already leading 1-0 against the New York Red Bulls.
The crowd at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey erupted with excitement as Messi stepped onto the pitch. It was a moment that fans had been eagerly waiting for, and they were not disappointed. In the dying minutes of the game, Messi showcased his brilliance by scoring his first official MLS goal.
Surrounded by four defenders, Messi skillfully controlled the ball inside the box. He then expertly threaded a pass to Benjamin Cremaschi, who calmly slotted it back to Messi. With the goalkeeper out of position, Messi calmly poked the ball into the net from close range, securing a 2-0 victory for Inter Miami.
The atmosphere at the stadium was electric, with fans showing their appreciation for the footballing icon. However, even those who couldn’t attend the match in person were able to experience the thrill of Messi’s debut. A large crowd gathered in Times Square to watch the game on giant screens, cheering as Messi found the back of the net.
The excitement surrounding Messi’s arrival in MLS was evident in the ticket prices. According to VividSeats, the average price for this weekend’s game was $483, significantly higher than the usual cost of $46 for an MLS ticket. Fans were willing to pay a premium to witness Messi mania firsthand.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham took to Instagram to express his gratitude to the fans and the residents of New York City. He shared pictures of Messi, the team, and fans wearing Messi jerseys, captioning them with the words, Where dreams are made of. Thank you NYC. Great win on the road.
With this victory, Inter Miami climbed from the bottom of the Eastern Conference to 14th place, surpassing Toronto FC. The team’s performance has received a significant boost since Messi’s arrival, and they are looking forward to their next match against Nashville SC on Wednesday.
Lionel Messi’s debut in MLS has undoubtedly brought a new level of excitement to the league. His presence on the field and his ability to score goals in crucial moments make him a valuable asset for Inter Miami. Fans can expect more incredible performances from Messi as he continues to showcase his talent in the MLS.
