MIAMI, Aug 27: Lionel Messi needed just a few seconds for his unparalleled skills to shine, a flash of brilliance that capped a memorable Major League Soccer debut.
Messi’s dazzling goal in the 89th minute helped a transformed Inter Miami beat the New York Red Bulls 2-0 on Saturday night and end an 11-match league winless streak.
Messi entered in the 60th minute along with former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets.
Miami had gone ahead on a 37th-minute goal by Diego Gomez in a buildup started by Jordi Alba, another Barcelona alum on a night Miami gave six players MLS debuts.
A record crowd of 26,276 arrived at Red Bull Arena in the Red Bulls’ first home sellout this season.
While, resale tickets were listed for over $1,000 leading to the game.
Messi violates media rules
Lionel Messi did not speak with reporters after his Major League Soccer debut, a violation of the league’s media rules.Messi scored in the 89th minute of Inter Miami’s 2-0 win over the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night.
Miami spokeswoman Molly Dreska said after the match that Messi was not being made available to reporters.
Dan Courtemanche, MLS’s executive vice president of communications, said before the game that Messi, like all players, was required to be available to media after games. (PTI)
