In an electrifying moment that marked his Major League Soccer debut, Lionel Messi illuminated the field by netting an extraordinary goal during the 89th minute. This brilliant performance not only secured Inter Miami’s triumphant 2-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night but also shattered their 11-game winless streak in the league.
Dazzling Dribble and Precise Finish
With unmatched finesse, the 36-year-old maestro dribbled past three resolute defenders before elegantly side-footing the ball to Benjamin Cremaschi. Demonstrating remarkable synergy, the 18-year-old American prodigy swiftly returned the ball to Messi. The Argentine icon swiftly embarked on a sprint towards the goal, seamlessly allowing the ball to bounce off his left foot from a forward angle. The result? A goal that radiated Messi’s signature brilliance and marked his triumphant entry into the league.
Messi’s Remarkable Record
Lionel Messi’s presence on the field has been nothing short of phenomenal. His remarkable record boasts an astounding 11 goals across nine games for Miami in various competitions. This achievement underscores his enduring prowess and unwavering commitment to the sport.
A Historic Connection
Harking back 48 years, the legendary Pele’s foray into the North American Soccer League with the New York Cosmos aimed to invigorate soccer in the United States. Fast forward to the present, Lionel Messi, the illustrious recipient of seven Ballon d’Or awards, stepped onto the field in the 60th minute. A moment of awe unfolded when Jordi Alba executed an acrobatic leap to instinctively center Sergio Busquet’s cross-back pass to Messi.
Unprecedented Fan Enthusiasm
The match generated an unprecedented level of enthusiasm among fans, culminating in a sold-out home stadium for the Red Bulls – a testament to the allure of Messi’s involvement. In the week leading up to the game, resale tickets commanded prices exceeding $1,000, a clear indicator of the fervor surrounding this momentous event. The crowd’s collective voice resonated with chants of “We Want Messi!” as early as the sixth minute, crescendoing into a resounding “Mes-si! Mes-si!” chorus in the 35th minute.
A New Era of Soccer
Lionel Messi’s decision to join the ranks of David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic signifies a pivotal moment in the trajectory of soccer in the United States. This move aligns with the aspirations of the league to rival the established American sports in terms of popularity and viewership. Notably, Diego Gomez, a 20-year-old Paraguayan forward and one of four Miami starters making their MLS debuts, contributed to the excitement with a goal in the 37th minute.
The Mesmeric Messi Entrance
All eyes were fixed on Messi as he began his warm-up routine three minutes into the second half. A deafening roar of anticipation reverberated throughout the stadium when Martino, the coach, signaled for Messi to shed his training gear and head towards the center stripe. This iconic moment marked Messi’s inaugural game for Miami, which took place on July 21 in the Leagues Cup. During that competition, he astoundingly netted 10 goals across seven games, including a U.S. Open Cup semifinal.
Breaking the Winless Streak
Inter Miami’s victory against the New York Red Bulls marked a long-awaited triumph in the league. Their previous league victory dated back to May 13 against New England, with only one road victory since April 29 at Columbus. The palpable excitement around the match was evident in the bustling streets around the Red Bull Arena, where eager scalpers and vendors sold unlicensed Messi jerseys. Additionally, a simulcast of the game was featured on a prominent video board in Times Square, showcasing the widespread appeal of this event. A considerable number of attendees sported Messi jerseys representing his previous affiliations with Argentina, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and, of course, Miami.
The Winning Play
Inter Miami’s first goal of the game transpired through a well-executed sequence. Jordi Alba, joining Messi and Busquets in making their debuts, capitalized on a free kick opportunity following a foul committed by Andrés Reyes. The ball, skillfully directed by Alba, was deflected by goalkeeper Carlos Coronel. Robert Taylor swiftly maneuvered the ball to Noah Allen, who made a precise diagonal pass to the 19-year-old defender, Gomez. With a single controlled touch, Gomez artfully slotted the ball inside the far post using his left foot, from a distance of approximately 14 yards.
In summary, Lionel Messi’s scintillating debut goal not only secured a momentous victory for Inter Miami but also encapsulated the unwavering spirit and remarkable skill that defines the world of soccer. As fans and enthusiasts continue to bask in the glory of this iconic moment, it serves as a testament to the global unifying power of the beautiful game.
