Messi shines in Inter Miami playoff debut on October 26
- Lionel Messi participated in his MLS playoff debut, assisting in a 2-1 win against Atlanta United.
- The match featured a live broadcast of Messi's movements, and several of his shot attempts were denied by the goalkeeper.
- Messi's presence in the U.S. is significantly boosting interest in soccer and enhancing the profile of the league.
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Lionel Messi made his much-anticipated Major League Soccer playoff debut in a match against Atlanta United on Friday night. The game, which ended with Inter Miami securing a 2-1 victory, highlighted Messi's every move through a dedicated 'Messi-cam' broadcasted live on MLS' TikTok account. Although he didn't score, Messi assisted on the pivotal go-ahead goal by Jordi Alba in the 60th minute. Inter Miami's win established them as the top seed in the playoffs, having achieved a record 74 points during the season. During the match, Messi faced strong defense from Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who successfully blocked several of Messi's attempts on goal. The match drew a celebrity crowd, including NFL stars such as Odell Beckham Jr. and Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson, the latter of whom commented on Messi's impact on soccer in the U.S. The atmosphere was electric, with fans enthusiastically documenting Messi's performance, reflecting the global appeal and excitement surrounding the player since his arrival in the MLS. Messi, despite having missed a considerable part of the season due to injuries and national team commitments, remains a contender for league MVP. His offensive partnership with Luis Suarez has also been noteworthy, as they both reached the milestone of 20 goals in the same season. Ultimately, this debut not only marks a key moment in Messi's illustrious career but also illustrates how his presence in the league is revitalizing interest in soccer within the United States, paving the way for the sport's growth.