Inter Miami Victorious in Messi’s MLS Debut

Inter Miami surged to a convincing 2-0 triumph over the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, with the spotlight firmly fixed on none other than Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar, having recently joined the MLS scene, showcased his incredible talent by scoring his debut goal in Major League Soccer, securing a victory that saw Inter Miami rise from last place in the Eastern Conference standings.

The match witnessed Messi’s impactful debut as he stepped onto the pitch in the 60th minute, replacing Leonardo Campana to a chorus of excited cheers from fans. The electric atmosphere at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey was palpable, and it didn’t take long for Messi to respond in kind to the excitement that surrounded his entry.

Prior to Messi’s impressive finish, it was Diego Gómez who set the stage for Inter Miami’s triumph. The Paraguayan midfielder confidently sent the ball rocketing into the net with his left foot, igniting the passionate supporters and putting the Herons in the lead in the 36th minute of the game.

Yet, the true highlight arrived in the 89th minute when Messi left his mark on the game. Amid a tangle of defenders, Messi orchestrated a brilliant play, expertly controlling the ball within the box before threading a pin point pass to Benjamin Cremaschi who was not even in the frame of the play. With unwavering composure, Cremaschi redirected the ball back into Messi’s path, and with the goalkeeper caught out of position, Messi executed a precise tap into the net from close range. The stadium erupted in celebration as the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner scored his first MLS goal, securing a momentous 2-0 victory for Inter Miami.

Talking about the “Messi Effect” teammate Kamal Miller stated:
“I think Messi will carry any team he’s in, so it’s not an insult when people say he carries us. Of all the cities we gave gone to, NY showed the most support to us and Messi in particular. It’s so surreal. He’s the only guy in the world who deserves that kind of respect.”

With the victory, Inter Miami achieved a remarkable shift in fortune, surging from last place in the Eastern Conference to 14th place, surpassing Toronto FC. The seismic transformation heralded a change in dynamics for the team, who have won all nine games Messi has played in. Inter Miami’s next encounter will be against Nashville SC at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in a rematch of the Leagues Cup final.

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