Lionel Messi scored in his MLS debut.
Inter Miami defeated the New York Red Bulls 2-0 in the 26th round of the 2023 Major League Soccer (MLS) Eastern Conference at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey, USA, on Sunday.
With the win, Inter Miami climbed one spot from the bottom of the league to 14th in the standings.
Inter came out with a 5-4-1 formation. Campagna, Parais, Luis, Arroyo, Gomes, Alba, Allen, Miller, Aviles, Tyler, and Calendar started the game. Messi started the game off the bench.
Without Messi, Inter Miami’s offense was rather monotonous. Alba led the attack and created chances, but couldn’t find the back of the New York Red Bulls’ net.
However, it was Inter Miami who struck first. In the 37th minute, Allen crossed the ball back into the box from a free kick attack. Gomes caught it and finished with his left foot to give Inter the lead.
As New York continued to fight back, Inter Miami introduced Messi and Busquets in the 15th minute of the second half. Messi played at the left wing forward position, moving between the flanks and the center to lead the team’s attack. In the 42nd minute, he earned a free kick opportunity in front of the arc.
It eventually paid off. In the 44th minute, off a pass from Alba, Messi exchanged triangular passes with Kramasic before sliding it in. It was Messi’s first goal in MLS. In the end, Inter Miami held on for a 2-0 victory, thanks to Messi’s wedge.
It was their first league win since May. Prior to Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami was in last place in the Eastern Conference.
They had a record of five wins, three draws, and 14 losses prior to this game, and since their win in May, they had a record of three draws and eight losses, including a seven-game losing streak.
Since Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami has been a completely different team.
Inter Miami owner David Beckham said, “When I started my journey to build a new team in Miami 10 years ago, I dreamed of bringing the best players in the world to this amazing city. The players who shared my ambition when I joined the LA Galaxy were committed to growing soccer in the United States and building a legacy for the next generation of this sport we love so much,” said David Beckham, owner of Inter Miami.
“I am very excited to begin the next phase of my career with Inter Miami and the United States,” said Messi. “This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project. It’s about working together to achieve the goals we have set and I can’t wait to be here to help.” 소닉카지노
Since Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami has been transformed.
Messi scored in seven consecutive League Cup games to lead the team to the title. Messi became the first player in history to score in all seven matches of the League Cup, including two group stage games, the round of 32, round of 16, round of eight, quarterfinals, and the final. Messi scored an unthinkable 10 goals and one assist in seven games. With 11 men down, Messi changed the game.