(Harrison) Lionel Messi scored a spectacular 89th-minute goal in his MLS debut on Saturday, helping Inter Miami defeat the New York Red Bulls 2-0.
Forty-eight years after Pelé arrived in the North American Soccer League with the New York Cosmos in an effort to launch soccer in the United States, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner entered that game at the 60th minute.
Jordi Alba performed a dramatic leap to blindhand Sergio Busquet’s cross to Messi. The 36-year-old star dribbled between three defenders and sent the ball to Benjamin Cremaschi. The 18-year-old American dropped in front of the net, and Messi drove in to score with a left foot.
It was his 11th goal in nine games for Inter Miami in all competitions. He began his career in Florida on July 21 and scored 10 goals in seven League Cup and US Cup semi-final appearances.
Inter Miami hadn’t won an MLS game since May 13 against the New England Revolution, so the team ended an 11-game winless streak. This is only their second road win this season.
Inter Miami scored the opening goal when Alba took a set piece. After Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Coronel punched the ball, Robert Taylor handed the ball to Noah Allen. The latter then passed to Diego Gomez, who moved the ropes.
With the win, Inter Miami move to 14th in the East, two points ahead of Toronto FC. He still has a slim chance of making the playoffs.