Lionel Messi shines on his MLS debut, scores 11th goal for Inter Miami - WATCH

After a sensational first assignment with Inter Miami in the form of the Leagues Cup, Lionel Messi has now made an equally compelling start in Major League Soccer. In the 23rd match of the prevalent season, Inter Miami took on NY Red Bulls. Messi made his league debut in the 60th minute and scored in the dying minutes of the game to double the lead of his side. Miami won the match 2-0.

3 things you need to know

• Lionel Messi scores 11th goal for Inter Miami
• Messi made a successful debut in MLS, scoring in the 89th minute
• Messi netted 10 goals in the title-winning Leagues Cup campaign

Also Read | Lionel Messi makes MLS debut, enters in 60th minute for Miami against New York Red Bulls

Lionel Messi makes MLS debut on the 60th minute mark

The Inter Miami vs. NY Red Bulls game was marketed as the chosen one to introduce Lionel Messi on the dais of MLS. The suspense on whether he will make his first MLS footprints was prolonged initially as he was not named in the starting line-up. Fans, who were in attendance were vocal with "we want Messi" chants and their demand was eventually met in the 60th minute, as the 7-time Ballon d'Or winner graced the Red Bull Arena at the mark.  

Also Read | Inter Miami owner expresses joy as Lionel Messi & Novak Djokovic make his day; See Image

Lionel Messi scores on his MLS debut 

After coming onto the pitch, Messi quickly settled into his stride and it only took him 29 minutes to score his maiden MLS goal. Miami maintained a slender lead almost throughout the game but minutes before the final whistle, Messi doubled the lead courtesy of some immaculate coordination. Here's how Messi went on to the score sheet.

This is Lionel Messi's 11th goal for Inter Miami. Although Inter Miami have much to celebrate, the position on the league standing isn't one of them. It is only the 6th win of Inter Miami in the domestic league. The side is in 14th position and would hope a miraculous resurrection is on the cards. Inter Miami will next play Nashville on Thursday, August 31, 2023.