In a thrilling display of football, Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets made their first starts for Inter Miami CF on Tuesday night, leading the team to a resounding 4-0 victory over Atlanta United. The match, held at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, saw Messi score two goals and provide an assist, while Busquets played a crucial role in setting up the first goal.
The former Barcelona teammates wasted no time in making their presence felt. In the eighth minute, Busquets lofted a perfect ball over Atlanta’s defense to Messi, who, after missing his first attempt, netted the rebound to give Miami a 1-0 lead. Messi found the back of the net again in the 22nd minute, doubling Miami’s lead with an assist from Robert Taylor. Taylor added a third goal before halftime and scored the final goal after the break, with Messi providing the assist.
Inter Miami’s manager, Gerardo Martino, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance. “It was a good performance and I’m pleased we were able to make our fans happy. A very good game and we took another step in the right direction,” Martino said.
The victory also marked a milestone for Messi, as Atlanta United became the 100th club that the Argentine superstar has scored against in his illustrious career.
The match was also significant for Martino, who faced his former club, Atlanta United, for the first time since leading them to the MLS Cup title in 2018. Martino confirmed Messi as the team’s captain for the match against Atlanta and for future games.
Messi and Busquets, who have a shared history of 13 years playing together in Barcelona’s first team, were both substituted in the second half to a rousing ovation from the home crowd. “So many years playing together, so it’s very easy to play with him,” Busquets said about Messi. “I’m so happy to be by his side.”
The duo made their debuts in a dramatic win over Cruz Azul on Friday, with Messi scoring the winning goal. Their next challenge will be the inaugural Leagues Cup competition, a tournament between MLS and Liga MX sides. Messi is expected to make his official MLS debut at home against Charlotte on Aug. 20.
In related news, former Barcelona player Jordi Alba, who signed with Miami on July 20, was not included in Miami’s squad list for the game against Atlanta. His debut is eagerly awaited by fans and teammates alike.
