Messi"s debut at Yankee Stadium ends in 1-1 draw with NYCFC

Lionel Messi made his debut at Yankee Stadium on Saturday afternoon, where Inter Miami faced off against New York City FC in a highly anticipated match. The game started with both teams struggling to find the net, as NYCFC outshot Miami 5-3 in the first half. Despite the excitement surrounding Messi's presence, he had a quiet first half, failing to make a significant impact on the game. However, he played a crucial role in the 75th minute, assisting Leo Campana for Miami's opening goal after threading a pass to Jordi Alba. As Miami took the lead, it seemed they would secure a victory, but NYCFC had other plans. In the dying moments of the match, James Sands scored his first MLS goal, equalizing for NYCFC with a header from a corner kick taken by Santi Rodriguez. This late goal salvaged a point for NYCFC, who had been struggling with late-game collapses in previous matches. The match drew a nearly sold-out crowd of 44,738 fans, eager to witness Messi's debut. NYCFC head coach Nick Cushing expressed pride in his team's performance, emphasizing the importance of the support from their fans. He noted that earning a point against a top team like Miami could inspire confidence moving forward. Looking ahead, NYCFC aims to secure a win against the New York Red Bulls on September 28, while Messi and Miami will conclude their season at home against Charlotte. The match showcased both teams' determination and highlighted the competitive nature of MLS.