After joining the Major League Soccer franchise, Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets scored twice in their debut game for Inter Miami CF, and At Florida’s DRV PNK Stadium on Tuesday, the team defeated Atlanta United 4-0 while adding one assist.
Lionel Messi scored twice in his debut Inter Miami start
The former Barcelona teammates didn’t waste any time getting involved. In the eighth minute, Miami took the lead 1-0 as Busquets lofted a beautiful ball over Atlanta’s defense to Messi, who missed his first attempt but tipped back the rebound.
Inter Miami led 3-0 in the half of their Leagues Cup match after Robert Taylor assisted Lionel Messi on his subsequent goal, which he scored on a counterattack in the 22nd minute to increase the lead.
Following the break, Messi assisted Taylor in Miami’s final goal. Messi was replaced in the 78th minute by loud applause from the home crowd. 6 minutes after Busquets exited the match, Victor Ulloa came on.
“We made another step in the right direction, and it was an excellent game,” remarked Miami manager Gerardo Martino.
Miami won its group and moved on to the round of 32 of the League Cup, where it will host an unidentified opponent.
After scoring against Atlanta, Messi has now scored 100 goals against clubs.
Before the Argentine’s 2021 transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, Busquets, and Messi spent 13 years on the field together in Barca’s first squad. Since their trophy-laden period at Camp Nou, they have remained close friends.
It’s quite simple to play with him because we’ve been playing together for so long, said Busquets.
Messi and Busquets made their professional debuts as replacements in a dramatic victory over Cruz Azul on Friday. Messi scored the game-winning kick.
After the game, Martino, who oversaw Messi and Busquets for a season at Barcelona, claimed he wasn’t shocked to see them combine for the game’s opening goal.
DeAndre Yedlin of Miami claims that since those two have arrived, the mindset has changed. “The guys are pumped. However, I think that everyone’s confidence is boosted by simply being present. The adversaries with whom we are currently playing appear to be slightly terrified. You know you’re going to have a tough game when the two are on the field.
Martino also played his first game against his previous team, who he helped win the MLS Cup in 2018. Messi will lead the team against Atlanta and going forward, according to Martino, who was appointed Miami’s coach on June 28.
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“I believe that the supporters react based on what they witness and what the team communicates to them. Many people visit Lionel. both normal fans and celebrities. He stands out, but he can also help the club as a whole by passing along fan support, according to Martino.
His response to the mass exodus of spectators after Messi was replaced: “I didn’t notice. Messi would prefer if the supporters stayed until the finish to cheer the squad, but I can also understand it given the type of player he is. Some fans may have come to see him just.
By curling a free kick from just outside the penalty area into the top corner on Friday, Messi gave Inter Miami a 2-1 victory and put an end to the epic saga that led to his eventual signing with co-owner David Beckham’s team in Major League Soccer.
MLS and Liga MX teams are now competing in the first Leagues Cup competition, which has Miami and Atlanta as teams. On August 20, Messi might make his MLS debut at home against Charlotte.
Another former Barcelona player, Jordi Alba, joined Inter Miami on July 20 but was not named to the team list for the match against Atlanta, so he will have to wait for his debut.