Lionel Messi proved his mettle on the field in a captivating turn of events, responding effectively to a pre-match statement made by Daniel Edelman, midfielder of New York Red Bulls.
Edelman, a 20-year-old talent, drew attention with his declaration prior to facing Inter Miami. His confident words, “I will show Lionel Messi what a kid from New Jersey can do,” resonated across the MLS.
However, the execution of Edelman’s plan took an unforeseen twist. On the field, Lionel Messi orchestrated a sequence that outfoxed Edelman and the entire defense of the NY Red Bulls. Messi’s strategic pass to Benjamin Cremaschi set the stage for Messi’s goal, leaving seven Red Bulls players in the penalty box helpless to thwart his brilliance.
MESSI’S FIRST MLS GOAL IS A STUNNER 🤩
(via @MLS)pic.twitter.com/8uj7I0IUDr
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 27, 2023
Social media was swift to seize upon the moment, circulating videos of the play. Observers wasted no time in using this remarkable display to underscore the irony of Edelman’s earlier statement.
Comments flooded in, including “Big mouth Daniel learned a very useful lesson today” and “European defenders couldn’t stop Messi, what can a player from New Jersey do?” The play became a testament to the unpredictable nature of soccer.
🇺🇸🗣️Daniel Edelman: “I will show Lionel Messi what a kid from New Jersey can do.” pic.twitter.com/ZnJHmv8W3N
— Barça Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) August 27, 2023
In an MLS debut marked by impact, Messi’s goal against the New York Red Bulls contributed to Inter Miami’s 2-0 triumph. Remarkably, Messi began the game on the bench, taking a breather following a grueling run in various cup competitions since his arrival in Miami.
Lionel Messi’s record with Inter Miami now boasts an impressive tally of 11 goals and three assists in just nine matches, signifying his seamless integration and significant contribution to the team’s success.
Premier League losing ground to MLS among the youngest viewers in the United States
Beyond his exceptional performances on the pitch, Lionel Messi’s influence is resonating in broader ways, with the MLS making strides in viewership, particularly among the younger demographic.
While the Premier League continues to hold the reins on U.S. soccer viewership share, the MLS is carving out a notable space, especially with the Gen Z audience.
The Mirror reported on a study revealing a noteworthy shift: MLS is gaining traction over the Premier League within the Gen Z cohort. This trend began even before Messi’s arrival, but his presence has undoubtedly amplified it.
Conducted by a sports marketing company, the study surveyed 2,020 individuals in November 2022, encompassing both hardcore and casual fans. A crucial insight emerged: Gen-Z respondents, aged approximately 11 to 26 years, prioritize individual players over other factors.
Inter Miami still hasn’t lost with Lionel Messi, and now the club is projecting $200 million in annual revenue.
That’s 4x more than they brought in last year.
It would be an MLS record (by a mile), and it puts them on par with teams like Newcastle United & Aston Villa.
Insane. pic.twitter.com/ngOb6OMnuE
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) August 26, 2023
In a decisive nod to Messi’s appeal, he emerged as their favorite soccer player, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo by a margin of five percentage points. The MLS’s comprehensive streaming coverage of matches through Apple TV further supports its appeal to this younger demographic.
Since 2019, the average valuation of MLS teams has surged by an impressive 85 percent, reaching $579 million, according to Forbes. Reports indicate that the Messi effect has tangible financial implications as well. Inter Miami, Messi’s current club, is projected to amass around $200 million in revenue, a staggering fourfold increase from their initial expectations at the time of his transfer.
The undeniable Messi effect is vividly evident at Inter Miami. The club’s attendance figures have soared, rapidly cementing their status as a draw for spectators. In an impressive testament to Messi’s impact, Inter Miami has yet to taste defeat when the Argentine takes the field.
The team triumphed in the Leagues Cup and secured a spot in the U.S. Open Cup final over the past month, further underscoring Messi’s transformative influence.