Lionel Messi fans frustrated before he makes amends on MLS debut

Aug 30, 2023

Soccer fans were left frustrated as Lionel Messi’s MLS debut was delayed - and made their feelings known at the Red Bull Arena. Chants of “We want Messi” broke out after just five minutes of the game between New York Red Bulls and Inter Miami after the Argentinian superstar was left on the bench - but he made amends when he was introduced to give the fans what they wanted with the second goal in a 2-0 win.

Manager Gerardo Martino warned the time would come for him to rest his talisman after a string of long cup games. Unfortunately for the 25,000 fans in attendance in Harrison, New Jersey, that time came in the first MLS game since Messi joined Inter Miami.

It took just five minutes for fans around the stadium to begin chanting for the man they all came to see. Those chants continued at sporadic intervals and were even louder when he first ventured out of the dugout to warm up two minutes into the second half. Just before the hour mark, the moment everyone had waited for finally arrived.

In his first half an hour on the pitch, Messi's impact was minimal. Then, with his side looking to close out an uneventful win, he unlocked the defense with a perfect pass for Benjamin Cremaschi, who squared the ball back to him for a simple tap-in.

After being made to wait, the man of the hour made amends to those who feared they would go home underwhelmed and frustrated. So far in MLS, he's barely put a foot wrong.

By the time Messi entered the game, his team was already in the lead. Young Paraguayan midfielder Diego Gomez scored his first goal for Inter Miami with a well-taken finish into the bottom corner after 37 minutes.

Red Bulls were awarded a penalty shortly afterwards, sparking outrage on the Miami bench before the referee overturned the harsh handball call through a video review. The decision was met by cheers from the thousands there supporting Miami - but it only increased the likelihood their hero may not appear at all with his team on course for victory without him.

Inter Miami taking the lead without Messi and Busquets from the outset was testament to the impact they have made alongside new manager Martino. When they were introduced on their debut against Cruz Azul, before Messi’s stunning last-minute winner, they were second best for much of the game.

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They are bottom of the Eastern Conference after a miserable start to the campaign. In May, few would have thought that Inter Miami would be the story of the soccer world right now.

Teammate David Ruiz recently highlighted the tactical advice Messi has given and the impact it has had on him.

“One thing Messi told me is to stand still more,” Ruiz said per GOAL. “You want to run for every ball, look for space to have it more, but he has told me to stay still in my position and the ball will come to me. I tried it and it came off. I was more patient.”

The way in which Messi has lifted those around him appeared obvious even without him being on the field as Inter Miami showed they are now a team transformed even when he is not on the pitch.