After a hectic but successful run in the Leagues Cup under the leadership of Lionel Messi, it was time for some MLS action. The Miami-based soccer club just faced the New York Red Bulls. Surprisingly, the Argentine soccer legend didn’t start the game today. He’s been an important figure in the Herons’ squad since his arrival. But he proved that he doesn’t need 90 whole minutes to make a difference.

The fans truly went berserk when he scored just before the full-time whistle. His team has successfully managed to carry that winning form and the fans will be hopeful of ending the MLS season with a respectable position on the points table.

Inter Miami wins on Lionel Messi’s MLS debut!

The fanbase went through a whole of emotions before the game even started. Mainly because the Argentine soccer legend’s name did not feature in the Starting XI. Tata Martino decided to tweak the formation and tactical style today too. Seemingly, it worked! The Herons seemed to be quite solid defensively crediting a few heroic saves to Drake Callender’s name too.

Inter Miami’s Diego Gomez scored the first goal of the game. Along with Messi, it was his MLS debut too. Just before the first half ended, the NY Red Bulls won a penalty but VAR intervened and ruled it out. At halftime, the pink side walked into the tunnel with a narrow lead while the fans waited for Lionel Messi to step on the pitch. At the 60th-minute mark, the World Cup winner was officially subbed on for his debut.

He just had to score, didn’t he? He opened his MLS goal-scoring account in the 89th minute and sealed the game for his team. Messi just required a little bit of space and a moment of trickery by the soccer veteran jaw-dropped the fanbase again. Soon after, the referee blew the full-time whistle and David Beckham‘s Inter Miami were victorious! Here’s how the fans reacted.

The last few months of his soccer career have been pure gold. A definite contender!

Pretty much more than investment, isn’t it? Role model, captain, ambassador, serial winner, what else?

Cremaschi is one of the players who has ramped up his gameplay since Messi’s arrival. This time, the 18-year-old managed to set up the soccer veteran for his first-ever goal in the MLS. Quite poetic!

Surreal, isn’t it? Nobody can still believe it!

Maybe, just maybe, this is the new normal.

The Argentine soccer legend just cannot stop scoring. In just nine games for Inter Miami, he has scored eleven goals.

All in all, it was a much-improved performance by Messi and his team. It was also a rare clean sheet for the Herons. What a poetic start to his MLS debut. The fans were extremely delighted and went berserk after he caressed the ball into the back of the net before the final whistle. While this might be a little too late for them this season, the Miami-based club will surely be contenders to win the MLS next season. All that’s left is to play for pride and salvage a respectable position on the points table for which maintaining their winning streak is key.

READ MORE: 19 YO Inter Miami Star Reveals Lionel Messi’s Advice Following Iconic Leagues Cup Victory

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami looking to carry their win streak into the MLS

Recently, Inter Miami won their first-ever piece of silverware. The club also qualified for the final of the US Open Cup as well. Undeniably, the Argentine soccer legend’s impact since his arrival has been unbelievable. However, there’s a lot of work left to be done in the league. It is important to remember that the Herons were struggling to win a game before the World Cup winner joined the club.

Currently languishing at the bottom of the table, Lionel Messi will look to carry forward the same winning form into the MLS. Easier than done, the Herons’ journey until now with Messi has been more about the spectacular comebacks. Undoubtedly, head coach Tata Martino will look to tighten up the defensive aspect of Inter Miami’s gameplay with Sergio Busquets’ palpable presence in the midfield.

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What were your thoughts on today’s performance? Let us know in the comments below.