In their first start for Inter Miami CF after joining the Major League Soccer team, Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets scored two goals and added an assist in a 4-0 victory over Atlanta United on Tuesday night at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The former Barcelona teammates didn’t waste any time getting involved. Busquets lofted a brilliant pass over Atlanta’s defense to Messi, who missed his first shot but tapped back the rebound to give Miami a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute.
Robert Taylor assisted Messi on his second goal, which he scored on a counterattack in the 22nd minute to extend the margin and give Miami a 3-0 lead at the break.
After the intermission, Taylor scored the final goal for Miami with a helper from Messi, who was replaced in the 78th minute to a thunderous ovation from the home crowd. Victor Ulloa entered the game six minutes after Busquets left.
“I’m glad we were able to gratify our fans; it was a nice performance. We made another step in the right direction, and it was a really excellent game,” remarked Miami manager Gerardo Martino. Miami won its group and advanced to the Leagues Cup round of 32, where it will host an unnamed opponent. Messi now has 100 goals against clubs after scoring against Atlanta. Editors’ Choice All of Lionel Messi’s goals, assists, and crucial plays for Inter Miami on 4hESPN
Messi’s incredible Inter Miami debut was like a movie in 4D.Before the Argentine went to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, Luis Miguel Echegaray Busquets and Messi spent 13 years on the field together in Barca’s first squad. Since their trophy-laden period at Camp Nou, they have remained close friends. It’s quite simple to play with him because we’ve been playing together for so long, said Busquets. “I’m so glad to be by his side,” you say. In a thrilling victory over Cruz Azul on Friday, Messi and Busquets made their debuts as substitutes. Messi scored the game-winning kick. After the game, Martino, who oversaw Messi and Busquets for a season at Barcelona, claimed he wasn’t shocked to see them combine for the game’s opening goal.
Martino observed, “These two players are so good at what they do, they create space.” The attitude has altered since those two arrived, according to Miami right-back DeAndre Yedlin. “Guys are obviously really excited. However, I believe that just being there boosts everyone’s confidence. And I believe there is a hint of terror in the eyes of the opponents we are playing right now. You know you’re going to have a tough game when the two are on the field. Martino also played his first game against his previous team, who he helped win the MLS Cup in 2018. Messi will lead the team against Atlanta and going forward, according to Martino, who was appointed Miami’s coach on June 28.
“I believe that the supporters react based on what they witness and what the team communicates to them. Many people visit Lionel. both normal fans and celebrities. He stands out, but he can also help the club as a whole by passing along fan support, according to Martino. His response to the mass exodus of spectators after Messi was replaced: “I didn’t really notice. Messi would prefer if the supporters stayed until the finish to cheer the squad, but I can also understand it given the type of player he is. Some fans may have come to see him just.
By curling a free kick from just outside the penalty area into the top corner on Friday, Messi gave Miami a 2-1 victory and put an end to the epic saga that led to his eventual signing with co-owner David Beckham’s team in Major League Soccer. MLS and Liga MX teams are now competing in the first Leagues Cup competition, which has Miami and Atlanta as teams. On August 20, Messi might make his MLS debut at home against Charlotte.
Another former Barcelona player, Jordi Alba, joined Miami on July 20 but was not named to the team list for the match against Atlanta, so he will have to wait for his debut.