Lionel Messi’s MLS Debut vs New York Red Bulls Compared With Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s LA Galaxy Debut

Lionel Messi sent shockwaves across the world when he announced his decision to join Inter Miami. Ever since, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has shown his pedigree in every match for Inter Miami with La Pulga even helping the Herons lift their maiden Leagues Cup trophy. As fun as Leo’s journey in America has been so far, people have been very curious to see how he performs for the David Beckham-owned side in the MLS. Luckily for us, he delivered, and how.

Despite entering as substitute in the 60th minute, Leo controlled the game brilliantly with his dribbling and this helped him set up his own goal at the end. While it’s not as flashy as Zlatan’s debut was, this debut embodies Messi in his own way. Hence this has led to netizens comparing both the debuts.

Lionel Messi makes MLS debut with another goal

Entering the field in the 60th minute as a response to the New York Red Bulls’ counter-press, Leo’s arrival brought about a complete transformation in the Herons’ ball possession approach. He skillfully showcased his tight ball control by combining with Sergio Busquets to manage their slender 1-0 lead. Unfortunately for New York Red Bulls, they learnt firsthand that it’s pretty much impossible to stop Messi from scoring in America.

Thanks to his buzzing passing and dribbling throughout the night; his efforts bore fruit in the 90th minute as he orchestrated his own goal through his flawless dribbling within the penalty area. The goal was set up by youngster Benjamin Cremaschi who just had to make a simple cross for La Pulga after Messi and Alba did all the hard work to set it up. The highlight of the goal was the close control displayed by Messi to evade his marker and then make a through ball pass to Cremaschi and finish it with a simple tap-in. Truly genius.

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After Leo scored a stunning last-minute free kick to announce his arrival to American soccer; many compared it to Zlatan’s iconic LA Galaxy debut. However, the only difference between them was that the Swede scored a brace in his MLS debut, unlike Leo. Hence after Leo’s brilliant debut, one cannot resist comparing the duo’s respective start to the league. While Leo’s performance was top-notch, it still couldn’t live up to the bar set up by Zlatan.

Many consider Zlatan’s MLS debut as the best ever in the history of the league

Back in 2018, Zlatan Ibrahimovic made a shock move to LA Galaxy after a commendable campaign with Manchester United. As expected, expectations were sky high from the Swede, and luckily for LA fans; Zlatan delivered and how. Making his debut in the spiciest derby of the league; LA Galaxy was in dire need of his performance, trailing by three goals until the 73rd minute. Luckily, he didn’t disappoint as it took him barely six minutes after stepping onto the pitch to score his iconic volley from 40 yards out.

His decisive action ignited a surge in his team, resulting in two swift goals that restored parity. Ultimately, the Swede clinched the winning goal, solidifying what numerous consider to be the most exceptional MLS debut in history. Post-match, Ibrahimovic broke down his iconic goal by simply attributing it to what “Zlatan” does. “I heard the fans chanting, ‘We want Zlatan,’ “ Ibrahimovic said. “I gave them Zlatan,” shared the Swede candidly. 

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Who do you think had a better debut? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!