Lionel Messi made his highly anticipated debut for Inter Miami on Wednesday night, leading his team to a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew. The Argentine superstar scored two goals, including a stunning free kick, and set up the winning goal in front of a sell-out crowd at Lower.com Field.
Lionel Messi's arrival in Major League Soccer has sent shockwaves through the league and beyond. His first match for Inter Miami, against the Columbus Crew on Wednesday night, was a spectacle that lived up to all the hype and expectations.
From the moment he stepped onto the pitch, Messi was the center of attention. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause, and every touch he made was met with anticipation. Within minutes, he had created a chance for Gonzalo Higuaín, but the Argentine striker's shot was well saved by Eloy Room.
Lionel Messi's Magic Shines as Columbus Crew Suffers 3-2 Loss to Inter Miami
Messi's first goal came in the 17th minute. After receiving the ball on the left wing, he cut inside and unleashed a powerful shot that flew into the top corner. The Crew fought back and equalized through Cucho Hernández, but Messi restored Inter Miami's lead just before halftime with a sublime free kick that left Room stranded.
In the second half, the Crew continued to push for an equalizer, but Messi's class was proving to be too much. He controlled the game from midfield, dictating the tempo and creating chances for his teammates.
Inter Miami's third goal came in the 75th minute, when Messi found Alejandro Pozuelo with a perfectly weighted pass. The Canadian midfielder took one touch and fired a low shot into the net.
The Crew pulled one goal back through Kevin Paredes, but it was too little too late. Inter Miami held on for a 3-2 victory, with Messi earning the Man of the Match award for his outstanding performance.
Messi's debut in MLS was a reminder of his enduring brilliance. At 35 years old, he is still one of the best players in the world. His skill, vision, and leadership were on full display against the Columbus Crew, and it is clear that Inter Miami have a special player on their hands.
The match was also a testament to the growing popularity of MLS. The league has made significant strides in recent years, and Messi's arrival is another sign of its progress. The stadiums are filling up, the global audience is growing, and the quality of play is improving.
With Messi leading the charge, Inter Miami and MLS can expect even more excitement and success in the years to come.
