A monumental occurrence is on the horizon within the realm of Major League Soccer (MLS), poised to etch itself in history. The imminent league debut of Lionel Messi, the iconic six-time Ballon d’Or laureate and revered soccer luminary, is set to unfold on August 28, 2023. This landmark event will witness Messi don the colors of Inter Miami, catapulting the MLS into the spotlight of global soccer intrigue.
Having left an indelible mark during his two-season stint with Paris Saint-Germain, where he amassed an impressive array of titles including the Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and UEFA Champions League trophies, Messi’s transfer to Inter Miami in July 2023 stands as an epochal transition. Sealing a momentous two-year contract valued at a staggering $100 million annually, Messi’s unprecedented remuneration position him as the highest-earning athlete in the annals of MLS.
Embracing the challenge with aplomb, Messi’s non-league appearances for Inter Miami have been nothing short of spectacular. Ten goals netted and two remarkable conquests—the Leagues Cup and the U.S. Open Cup—secured earlier this month, have showcased his preeminence in no uncertain terms. Notably, the Leagues Cup final witnessed Messi’s historic hat-trick performance, an exhibition of unmatched skill that propelled Inter Miami to a 4-1 triumph over Tigres UANL.
The impending anticipation of Messi’s inaugural MLS regular season foray remains tinged with uncertainty, as the watchful gaze of Inter Miami’s head coach Tata Martino underscores concerns about the maestro’s physical well-being. A strenuous sequence of four matches over a span of twelve days has engendered deliberation regarding Messi’s readiness. Martino’s decision regarding Messi’s availability, contingent upon insights gleaned from Friday’s training session, is poised to set the stage for this grand spectacle.
The venue for this epic clash is none other than the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, where Messi will lock horns with the formidable New York Red Bulls. As contenders who currently command a position of prominence within the Eastern Conference, the Red Bulls stand fourth in the standings, having accrued 40 points from 24 encounters. Meanwhile, Inter Miami, positioned at the opposite spectrum, endeavors to ascend from their 18-point collection across 22 matches, anchored at the base of the rankings. The Red Bulls’ ambitions of extending their unbeaten streak to six matches in their pursuit of the summit run in tandem with Inter Miami’s endeavor to transcend their current predicament and escape the relegation straits.
Scheduled to commence at 7:30 PM ET on August 28, 2023, the match offers multiple avenues for enthusiasts to partake in the spectacle. The live stream is accessible via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, delivering the riveting encounter directly to screens. For those captivated by the allure of collective experience, the colossal screen outside the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, New York City, extends an invitation to revel in the proceedings. This exceptional occasion affords a rare chance to bear witness to the consummate genius of one of soccer’s most esteemed virtuosos.
Don’t squander the opportunity to be a part of this epoch-making clash between Lionel Messi and the New York Red Bulls—a fixture destined to linger in the echoes of sporting history.
