Lionel Messi came off the bench and scored on his MLS debut with Inter Miami; he was later nominated for Goal of the Matchday.
Bryan ArellanoBryxn_AJoe Brennanj4brennanUpdate: Aug 28th, 2023 15:28 EDT
KENA BETANCURAFP
Is this guy going to ever have a bad day? Lionel Messi continued his fantastic start to life in US soccer with another stellar performance, scoring on his MLS debut against New York Red Bulls with a fantastic finish that has seen him nominated for the Goal of the Matchday award.
Before the World Cup winner’s entrance onto the field, the game seemed to be settled by Diego Gómez’s solitary effort for Miami, who looked to have taken advantage of the fact that ‘Tata’ Martino chose to rest several of his star players.
However, the the new captain of Inter Miami had his say when he came on at the hour mark and, after some delightful play with Campana, he scored his first goal in MLS, which sealed the points and moved the side off of the foot of the table, where they had nestled for some time.
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It feels as though Messi has made history with every kick of the ball so far at Inter Miami.Angel ColmenaresEFE
Messi scores against NYRB on his MLS debut
As is customary, MLS put forward four candidates to a public vote on social media in order to determine the “Best Goal of the Matchday” award; among them Messi’s first goal in the league competition stands out as the most remarkable move and finish.
The ball is played from the centre by Busquets to Jordi Alba on the left wing, where the defender pulls off a fantastic, acrobatic swing of his leg to send the ball into the box towards Messi, who skips past a few defenders in order to control the ball and turn to face the goal.
Best of the best in Matchday 28. 🤩@Audi #GoalsDriveProgress: https://t.co/zLfNWl7YHB pic.twitter.com/Vu0THVQJme
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 28, 2023
Messi’s delightful pass to Cremaschi may be the best MLS has seen
Once settled, all in a microsecond, Messi draws his lightsaber, located on the outside of his boot, and slices it with the precision of a praying mantis through the defensive line of NYRB from the left towards the far post, where Cremaschi is waiting to play the ball square to the Argentine, now just yards from goal. The tap-in is simple, but the move has had fans across the world drooling at Messi doing Messi things yet again.
He’s up against Atlanta United’s Saba Lobjanidize and Xande Silva, as well as Sporting Kansas City’s Erik Thommy, but the Argentine star is set to sweep up the public vote.
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Inter Miami fans are in love with their new-look Inter Miami side.
Messi also made MLS Team of the Week
Everything is still unbelievably positive for Inter Miami, who have already won their first title in the Leagues Cup and will play for the US Open Cup against Houston Dynamo.
