Lionel Messi scored his first MLS goal on Saturday (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Lionel Messi, the Argentinian football legend, made his highly anticipated Major League Soccer (MLS) regular-season debut for Inter Miami against the New York Red Bulls. The match, held at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, was a spectacle of “Messi mania” as fans eagerly awaited his appearance on the pitch. The superstar’s arrival as a substitute in the 60th minute brought the crowd to life, and he did not disappoint.
Messi’s Impact on the Game
Inter Miami was already leading 1-0, when Messi’s entry consequently injected a new level of energy into the match. Simultaneously, the crowd erupted in cheers as he showcased his skills and mesmerizing style of play. Following this, in the 89th minute, Messi eventually sealed the victory for Inter Miami with a goal that indisputably showcased his brilliance. Finally, this goal conclusively ended the match, with Inter Miami triumphantly emerging as the victors.
Surrounded by four defenders, Messi deftly controlled the ball inside the box and threaded it through to Benjamin Cremaschi. Cremaschi then returned the pass, allowing Messi to tap the ball into the net from close range. The goal marked Messi’s first official MLS goal and secured a 2-0 win for Inter Miami.
The Impact of Messi’s Arrival
Lionel Messi’s arrival in MLS has sent shockwaves through the league and the world of football. The anticipation surrounding his debut has driven ticket prices to unprecedented heights, with resellers averaging $483 per ticket for the match against the New York Red Bulls. Even those unable to attend the game in person flocked to Times Square, where a packed crowd watched on gigantic screens, celebrating Messi’s every move.
The impact of Messi’s arrival extends beyond ticket sales and spectatorship. Inter Miami’s social media following has skyrocketed, with the club amassing a staggering 14 million Instagram followers, surpassing the NFL, NHL, and MLB teams in terms of online engagement. Messi’s iconic pink Inter Miami jersey has become the top-selling sports jersey on platforms like Fanatics, further solidifying his influence on the league.
Inter Miami’s Rise in the Standings
The victory against the New York Red Bulls proved crucial for Inter Miami’s standing in the MLS Eastern Conference. Prior to the match, the team languished at the bottom of the table. However, thanks to Messi’s impact and the overall team performance, Inter Miami climbed to 14th place, leapfrogging Toronto FC.
Despite the improved position, Inter Miami still faces a challenging path to secure a playoff spot. They currently trail ninth-place Chicago Fire FC by 11 points, highlighting the need for continued strong performances in the remaining matches.
Messi’s Unprecedented Success
Lionel Messi’s success with Inter Miami has been nothing short of extraordinary. In just nine games, he has already scored an impressive 11 goals and provided six assists for his new team. His seamless adaptation to MLS and his ability to dominate matches have solidified his status as one of the greatest football players of all time.
As Messi continues to shine on the pitch, his impact off the field is equally immense. The international audience’s fascination with Messi’s journey has driven an influx of subscriptions to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, doubling the platform’s viewership. The global reach of his influence is evident in the massive following Inter Miami has garnered on social media platforms.
Next Up for Messi and Inter Miami
Following his successful MLS debut, Lionel Messi’s journey with Inter Miami continues as the team prepares to face Nashville SC at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The match on Wednesday presents another opportunity for Messi to showcase his skills and further solidify Inter Miami’s position in the league.
As fans eagerly await Messi’s next appearance, the football world continues to marvel at his impact on MLS and the unprecedented excitement he has brought to the league. With each match, Messi’s legacy grows, and his influence extends far beyond the confines of the pitch.
