Top 10 MLS Debut Performances of All Time After Lionel Messi’s League Opener With Inter Miami

Ever since Lionel Messi announced his signing for Inter Miami; the American soccer landscape has witnessed a landmark increase in eyeballs. While it’s been more than a month since we have seen La Pulga in action, the entire soccer world was eagerly awaiting one thing – Lionel Messi’s MLS debut. Luckily for us, it was worth the wait as….

Thanks to the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s incredible debut performance; it has sparked a discourse online with many netizens ranking La Pulga’s debut among the best MLS debuts of all time. Hence we too decided to join in the fun as we rank the best MLS debuts of all time. The Top 3 may surprise you!

10. Danny Cepero

Starting off the list is goalkeeper Daany Cepero who had a debut to remember against then-league leaders Columbus Crew. Thrown into the wild after a shocking ban to first-choice goalie Jon Conway; NY Red Bulls’ Capero made a pair of saves in the first half including a stunning aerobic effort to deny Ezra Hendrickson. The highlight of the night however was the goal scored by Cepero making him the first MLS goalkeeper to score a goal. His all-round performance ensured that the Red Bulls won 3-1 and also qualified for the playoffs.

9. Eric Hassli

Back in 2011, Vancouver Whitecaps FC signed Frenchman Eric Hassli as their first designated player. Luckily for them, their decision turned out a masterstroke Hassli with a sense of poetic justice scored their MLS tenure opener with a stunner. He also scored later in the match to cap off a dominating 4-2 victory over rivals Toronto FC.

8. Jermain Defoe

Jermain Defoe sent shockwaves across the world when he joined Toronto FC from Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspurs. He was clearly overqualified for the league back in 2014 and he indicated this with his debut performance. The ex-Spurs striker took just 23 minutes to showcase his talent as he scored a classy brace in that time. The striker then went on to score 11 goals and 2 assists in 19 matches; thus successfully capping off his only MLS season in style.

7. Alex Pineda Chacon

Alex Pineda Chacon is among the few players on the list who kept up their debut high throughout the season by culminating it with a Golden Boot win. Debuting in 2001 for Miami Fusion; the playmaker made an instant impact in his debut as he scored two second-half goals in 4 minutes against a visiting Colorado. The specialty of the performance was the sheer versatility in goalscoring displayed by Chacon. Thanks to his all-round performance, Miami won the opening-day fixture 2-1.

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6. Carlos Ruiz

After Alex Pineda Chacon, Carlos Ruiz is the second man on this list to win a Golden Boot. Joining LA Galaxy from Guatemalan club Municipal in 2002; El Pescadito made his debut in style as he scored two brilliant late goals [one being a stoppage time panlty] to ensure his team started their MLS campaign with a victory. The Guatemalan continued his goalscoring run till 2016 as the MLS icon is now ranked 11th in the all-time MLS goalscorers list.

5. Lionel Messi

Perhaps the only player on the list to have scored only one goal, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner makes the cut solely due to the overall impact his substitution brought to the match. Introduced in the 60th minute as a counter to New York Red Bulls counter press; Leo’s introduction completely changed the way the Herons possessed the ball. His close control was full in display and it ultimately paid off in the 90th minute as he set up his own goal with his immaculate dribbling inside the box. Possibly one of the best dribbling and team-worked goals on the list.

4. Brian McBride

Brian McBride is an absolute legend of the game. The Fulham icon will always have a special place in the hearts of Columbus Crew fans. After all; it was Brian McBride who scored the first-ever goal for the Crews in their MLS history. What’s special about the goals however is the sheer quality involved. While Brian’s first was a left-footed rocket blasting the top corner of the net; his second goal was an absolute belter. The coast-to-coast goal started from the goalkeeper’s long throw which was immaculately controlled by Brian with his head. The Fulham legend then took the ball down to volley it past the opposition keeper with full force. Absolute domination!

3. Fredy Montero

21-year-old Fredy Montero’s debut is undeniably amongst the most memorable debuts by a rookie in the MLS. Signed with the Seattle Sounders, Montero took barely 10 minutes to score his first goal of the night. 14 minutes later, the Colombian made a wonder pass setting up teammate Brad Evans through on goal. The youngster then capped off his night with a pinch of trickery as his successful feint in a one-on-one situation against the keeper led to the second goal of his night.

2. Alejandro Pozuelo

If not for the 1st ranked player on this list, Alejandro Pozuelo would have easily taken the cake for having the most visually stunning MLS debuts of all time. After a brief spell at KRC Genk, Pozuelo joined Toronto City FC with a point to prove. Luckily for him, his debut was as picture-perfect as possible. He started the night with a pinpoint reverse ball for his first assist. The Spaniard then scored a gutsy panenka kick from the penalty spot to register his debut MLS goal. However, the highlight of the night was his last goal was an audacious long-range chip aimed at the top bin leaving the entire stadium in awe.

1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Ranked number one is unsurprisingly Zlatan Ibrahimovich. Coming from Manchester United after a decent campaign much was expected of the Swedish legend. Thankfully, he couldn’t have asked for a bigger stage to debut as he made his first appearance for LA Galaxy against their derby rivals LAFC. Making his debut as a substitute, LA Galaxy desperately needed him to perform as they were trailing 3-0 till the 73rd minute.

However, it took Zlatan only six minutes after his arrival on the pitch to level things as he scored an iconic volley from the middle of the pitch to pull one back. This encouraged his team as they scored two quick-fire goals to level the score. The winner however was scored by none other than the Swede; thus capping off what is considered by many as the best-ever MLS debut.

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Do you agree with the ranking? Who do you think has made the best MLS debut so far? Let us know your ranking in the comments section below!