Lionel Messi’s MLS Debut vs New York Red Bulls Compared With David Beckham’s LA Galaxy Debut

So, finally, the day arrived. After heroics in the Leagues Cup and US Open Cup, Lionel Messi made his much anticipated MLS debut against NY Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena. However, it upset fans that the Argentine started from the bench. Nevertheless, like David Beckham, the fans were fortunate to witness Messi’s magic for a few minutes.

After Beckham’s move to LA Galaxy in 2007, MLS garnered global attention for the first time when the Herons announced the signing of Messi. It’s time to dive deeper to know how the MLS debuts went for both soccer icons. So, who stole the show on debut: Messi or Beckham?

Lionel Messi has been the saviour of Inter Miami

The Vice City came into the game on the back of an 11-game winless run in the MLS. The Herons were last in the East Conference standings with a 5-14-3 record. However, after an 11-game winless streak, Beckham’s side finally got the three points on board against Red Bulls ahead of the packed 25,000 seater Red Bull Arena. As reported earlier, Messi started from the bench.

The reason was the scare of fatigue, as the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner made his Miami debut on July 21 in the Leagues Cup and since then played eight games, scoring ten goals. The Herons boss wanted to give ample rest to the Argentine wizard ahead of a long run of fixtures to try and grab the playoff place. And much to the excitement of the crowd, Tata Martino decided to sub in Lionel Messi in the 60th minute for Leonardo Campana. 

Martino changed things in anticipation of Red Bull dominating the proceedings. The introduction of Messi and Sergio Busquets offered stability to the struggling Herons. However, Messi had little to contribute on the pitch since coming on. But it wasn’t meant to be. How could Messi blank? He slotted home Miami’s second goal in the 89th minute, guaranteeing all three points for the Herons.

Messi’s MLS debut came in a winning cause, unlike Beckham’s.

David Beckham made a debut in front of 46,686 

The Manchester United legend made MLS debut against DC United on August 9, 2007, in front of 46,686 fans at RFK Stadium. Becks came on for Quavas Kirk in the 71st minute in a rain-drenched evening. “It’s not nice to disappoint people who have paid a lot of money to see the game, so I was thankful to actually get on the pitch,” were the words of the former Real Madrid superstar after the 1-0 loss. 

READ MORE: Despite Splurging $65,600,000, Inter Miami’s Shock Lionel Messi Decision Baffles Their Biggest Dream

And he did manage to provide two decisive moments in the game. Carlos Pavon failed to slot home Beckham’s long-range free-kick, whereas DC United’s goalkeeper intervened in Beck’s weighted through ball for Landon Donovan in the final minutes. It may not have been the best debut for Beckham, but he paved the way for other European superstars to join MLS in the twilight of their careers.

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Can the much-needed win prove game-changing for the Herons in the playoffs race?