In a highly anticipated clash, Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets made their MLS debut in the starting lineup for Inter Miami CF against Atlanta United at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The former Barcelona teammates wasted no time in showcasing their magic on the field, propelling Miami to an impressive 4-0 win in the Leagues Cup match.
Fans and soccer enthusiasts were thrilled to witness the reunion of the dynamic duo, Messi and Busquets, who had played together for 13 years in Barcelona’s first team. The camaraderie and understanding between the two were evident as they effortlessly linked up throughout the game.
The match kicked off with Busquets lofting a perfect ball over Atlanta’s defense to find Messi. Although he missed his initial attempt, Messi capitalized on the rebound to give Miami an early 1-0 lead in the eighth minute, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Adding to the spectacle, Robert Taylor played a pivotal role in Miami’s victory, contributing a goal and an assist. Messi and Taylor combined effectively on a counterattack in the 22nd minute, doubling Miami’s lead and securing a comfortable 3-0 advantage at halftime.
Gerardo Martino, Miami’s manager, expressed his delight with Messi and Busquets’ performances. Having previously managed the two during his tenure at Barcelona, Martino was not surprised by their seamless connection on the field. He credited their ability to create space and inspire confidence in the team.
The match against Atlanta United held extra significance for Messi, as he netted his 100th goal against different clubs. This milestone highlights his exceptional goal-scoring prowess and solidifies his place as one of the greatest players in the history of soccer.
As the game progressed, Messi continued to impress, assisting Taylor for Miami’s fourth and final goal after the break. The Argentinian maestro received a rousing ovation from the home crowd when substituted in the 78th minute, underlining the excitement surrounding his presence in the MLS.
In the post-match interview, Busquets expressed his joy at being reunited with Messi, stating that their years of playing together made it effortless to excel on the field as a team.
Martino acknowledged Messi’s global stardom and the overwhelming support he draws from fans worldwide. While he understands that many fans come to see Messi in action, he emphasized the importance of supporting the entire team and staying till the end to applaud their efforts.
With the victory against Atlanta, Miami swept its group in the Leagues Cup and advanced to the round of 32. The team will now prepare to host an opponent yet to be determined in the upcoming stages of the tournament.
The future looks promising for Inter Miami CF, as Messi’s addition has undoubtedly brought a newfound spirit and confidence to the squad. Their next MLS game at home against Charlotte on Aug. 20 could mark Messi’s official debut in the league.
Jordi Alba, another former Barcelona player, recently signed with Miami but was not included in the squad list for the match against Atlanta. However, fans eagerly await his debut, anticipating the magic he will bring to the team’s defense.