Messi lights up Times Square! Football fans celebrate the World Cup winner’s goal on his MLS debut in the heart of the Big Apple as Inter Miami’s victory over New York Red Bulls is shown live
- Lionel Messi’s competitive debut was streamed live from a billboard in Times Square
- The Argentine came off the bench to score in his MLS debut for Inter Miami
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Football fans gathered in Times Square on Saturday night to witness one of the most anticipated games in MLS history.
Lionel Messi’s competitive debut was streamed live on one of the many billboards that lit up the heart of New York City.
The spectators had to wait when Tata Martino opted to rest his global superstar, starting on the bench for Inter Miami’s game against New York Red Bulls.
However, the World Cup winner put another spotlight on one of New York’s most famous venues when he officially made his debut, coming off the bench in the 60th minute.
And despite playing for the city’s rivals, the Argentine sent the Big Apple into limbo when he made a stunning debut and scored a stunning goal in the 89th minute.
Football fans gathered in Times Square on Saturday night to witness Lionel Messi’s MLS debut
Messi turned in another performance for Inter Miami on Saturday in the 2-0 victory over New York Red Bulls
Supporters had stormed the square, wearing some football shirts – with and without his name on the back – and erupted in cheers as Messi fired the ball into the back of the net.
Messi scored with the help of some former Barcelona teammates.
Jordi Alba performed an acrobatic jump in front of Sergio Busquets’ cross and with his back to the ground and his left leg up, Busquets used the side of his foot to center the ball to Messi.
The 36-year-old star put the ball down to keep it off defender Peter Stroud, then dribbled right and delivered a pass between Andrés Reyes and Daniel Edelman to 18-year-old American Benjamin Cremaschi.
As goalkeeper Carlos Coronel moved to cover the near post, Cremaschi beat defender John Tolkin and hit the ball back to Messi with one tap.
The World Cup winner scored on his MLS debut on Saturday night to double Miami’s lead
MLS and Red Bulls had announced the Times Square show on social media
He sprinted for goal and bounced it off his left foot from three yards into the unguarded net for his eleventh goal in nine appearances for Miami in all competitions.
The game drew a record crowd of 26,276 to the Red Bull Arena in the Red Bulls’ first home sale of the season, and resale tickets were offered for over $1,000 in the week leading up to the game.
But those watching the game were not limited to Harrison, New Jersey, as fans unable to secure a ticket opted for a cheaper option; watch the Messi show for free amidst the glitz and glamor of Broadway.
MLS and Red Bulls had announced the Times Square display on social media, with Messi on the billboard and the caption: ‘A huge MLS match requires a huge screen.’