Enthusiasts shelled out a hefty amount to get a spot at the performance; Times Square secured one of its enormous screens to stream the
event live; and street vendors loaded up on caps, jerseys, and refrigerator magnets. Adidas, Apple, and MLS had all pounded the table to
enable evenings such as this. The New York Red Bulls extended their red carpet treatment. The club opened the stadium early for Inter
Miami’s arrival and cranked up the volume with a Run DMC performance and fireworks.
The sole issue? Tata Martino was not feeling celebratory. The Miami manager’s English is not very good, but there was no need to
translate the shouts that went throughout Red Bull Arena. From the sixth minute until just before the hour, the cry “We want Messi”
echoed throughout the stadium. Finally, the 36-year-old made his Major League Soccer debut as he came off the bench.
Jordi Alba received a pass from Sergio Busquets, who had also entered from the bench. The left back somehow sprang into the air and
flipped the ball into Messi’s foot. He completed the task. Messi outran two defenders before picking out a ball that only he could see.
Benjamin Cremaschi, a fellow replacement, capitalized on the opportunity and then returned the favor, enabling Messi to score his ninth
goal in 11 games and brilliantly top off a 2-0 victory.
Following a hectic first month in Miami, Martino had alluded to the fact that Messi would require a vacation. The 36-year-old had played
in eight games in less than three days, scoring ten goals, winning one trophy, and clocking up more than 700 minutes of game time.
Martino knew exactly what had to be done. He simply wasn’t into romance or drama. At least not enough to put Messi at danger right
away. Not when the 36-year-old was getting close to his “limit” physically.
Regardless of the fact that some tickets were being sold for over $20,000. Regardless of the fact that MLS has been anticipating this
historic evening since David Beckham made his LA Galaxy debut in 2007. Regardless, Pink, together with Argentina’s blue and white,
filled Red Bull Arena. Despite the fact that Inter Miami’s chances of making the playoffs were little to none.
Messi didn’t even limber up before the game. Rather, he shuffled out of the tunnel to take his spot on the bench when all eyes were
diverted elsewhere. Only Alba got things going in this victory that might spark a late push for the postseason among Martino’s new
generals.
