Lionel Messi: Stars emerge for New York Inter Miami striker’s MLS debut, including NBA icon Carmelo Anthony and hip artists Fat Joe and French Montana
- Messi marked his competitive debut for Inter Miami with a late goal from the bench
- A number of big names were on hand for his MLS arc at the Red Bull Arena
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With arguably the city’s greatest footballer of all time, a number of familiar faces turned up at the Red Bull Arena for Lionel Messi’s MLS debut on Saturday night.
Messi made the trip to New York this weekend for his first ever league game with Inter Miami, marking it with a sensational late goal after coming off the bench.
Given the anticipation surrounding its MLS arc, ticket prices for the game have risen dramatically over the past week, with some fans shelling out more than $20,000 to get their hands on a piece of the action.
Several big names also managed to secure their place in the Red Bull Arena, including New York hip-hop stars Fat Joe and French Montana.
Both artists attended Saturday’s contest along with rap legend DMC, who bizarrely claimed before kickoff that he would be running for president, Vin Rock, DJ Kay Gee, DJ Skribble and DJ Scratcon on a night that also included the Red Bulls hosted. a celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary.
Fat Joe (left) and Carmelo Anthony (right) were among the stars attending Lionel Messi’s MLS debut in New York on Saturday night
Messi marked his league victory with a goal as Inter Miami recorded a 2-0 victory over the Red Bulls
Women’s soccer couple Kristie Mewis (center left) and Sam Kerr (right) were also at the game
Another rap star, French Montana, watched Messi appear on the scoresheet in New York
Also in attendance were former NBA forward Carmelo Anthony, New York-born playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda, and women’s soccer couple Kristie Mewis and Sam Kerr.
Unfortunately for all the celebrities in question – along with the ticket-spending fans – Messi was not involved from the start of the match after being named to the bench by Inter boss Tata Martino.
Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain had started Miami’s last seven games and led them to Leagues Cup glory, while also inspiring their US Open Cup semi-final victory over Cincinnati in the week.
As a result, Martino hinted on Friday that his star man would be rested for the upcoming games after a whirlwind start to his life in the United States.
He was finally introduced on the hour mark with Inter leading 1–0 after Diego Gomez’s opening first half game, and with minutes remaining, Messi magic sealed the three points.
After picking up the ball in the penalty area, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner twisted and turned before reaching the byline with an excellent pass by Benjamin Cremaschi, enabling him to pull the ball back over the goal for Messi to send the ball to house could tick.
Messi spent 60 minutes on the bench with Sergio Busquets (right) on Saturday night
But after joining the fray, he lined up brilliantly with Benjamin Cremaschi to seal the win
He has now scored eleven goals in his first nine appearances and was victorious in all nine games, albeit two on penalties.
Just as Wednesday’s semi-final against Cincinnati seemed to elude them, Messi produced a sensational cross to put Campana ahead for the final gasp of the equaliser.
Miami then won for the second time in four days on penalties to book a place in next month’s final against Houston Dynamo.
Next up for Messi and Inter is Nashville’s visit to the DRV PNK Stadium on Wednesday night.