Lionel Messi’s Game-Winning Free-Kick for Inter Miami or Sophia Smith’s Brace at World Cup? USWNT Captain Lindsey Horan Picks a Side

American soccer is buzzing with excitement after Lionel Messi‘s MLS debut and the USWNT’s victory in their first game at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The winning streak looks to be continued as the players step up to take charge for their next fixtures. Meanwhile, the USWNT captain has chosen a side between two debutants who newly made a big impression on U. S. soccer enthusiasts.

Lindsey Horan, the co-captain of the USWNT, was a key contributor to the team’s performance against Vietnam. She scored an incredible goal at the later stage of the game. Sophia Smith, the youngest in the U.S. team, added to the scoreboard twice. When asked to choose between Sophia Smith’s brace in the World Cup and Lionel Messi’s debut goal for Inter Miami, Lindsey Horan had an interesting take on it.

Which side did Lindsey Horan choose?

21 July,2023 was a historic day for the U.S. soccer world. Lionel Messi made his debut for Inter Miami in the States, while the Gals kicked off their World Cup campaign in an electrifying fashion. The OL player and co-captain of the US team preferred the brace from Sophia Smith more than the Argentine’s free kick. She felt that the World Cup was a bigger stage for the player over a regular season of the League Cup in MLS. Horan said, “Well, I have to say the better debut was Sophia Smith because she’s on a greater stage at the world cup, scored two goals, and one assist.”

The former PSG player also acknowledged that the last-minute goal from Leo Messi was incredible. It was a work of art in motion. She said, “Messi only scored one, but it was an incredible free kick. I actually can’t believe that happened.” There are other factors to consider when making this comparison. Messi is one of the greatest players of all time, and he has scored many incredible goals. On the other hand, Smith is a rising star in women’s soccer, and she has the potential to be one of the best in the greatest stage of soccer. Meanwhile, Horan’s choice was just a reminder of the determination USWNT has for the three-peats in the FIFA World Cup.

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USWNT performance in the first game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup

The Gals started their triumph for the third consecutive World Cup campaign with an esthetic victory. They cruised to a 3-0 victory over Vietnam. Sophia Smith made her tournament debut with two impressive goals in the first half. The USWNT’s 28 shots on target were a testament to their dominant performance against the Asian side. It was their 7 consecutive opening victory at the World Cup.

Although, veterans like Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe had a bad stint in the game. Morgan missed a penalty and Rapinoe squandered several chances after coming off the bench. Co-captain Lindsey Horan found the back of the net in the second half to seal the match. Vietnam gave a tough fight to the defending champions but could not compete with the offensive strength of the team.

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As things stand, Horan was more impressed by Smith’s two goals than Messi’s free-kick goal. Which one did you find the best of both? Comment below and let us know.