LEAGUES CUP
What is Lionel Messi’s record in previous debuts for Barcelona, PSG and Argentina?
Messi could make his first appearance for Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup game against Cruz Azul at DRV PNK Stadium on Friday.
Inter Miami will get the 2023 Leagues Cup underway against Cruz Azul on Friday, with teams from Major League Soccer and Liga MX set to battle it out in CONCACAF’s “newest” competition. Of course, the possibility of Lionel Messi making his debut for the Herons has hogged the headlines in recent weeks, with former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets also in contention to play against La Máquina.
The signing of Messi, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, is undoubtedly the most significant in the MLS’ relatively short history, the fact that he lifted the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar just a few months ago only adding to that sentiment.
How has Messi fared in other debuts?
With the Messi era about to kick off in the United States, we take a look at how he has fared in previous debuts for other teams.
Barcelona
16 October 2004 was the date on which Messi began his career with Barcelona, where he won everything there was to win at both club and personal levels. For most of his time there, it seemed unthinkable to imagine him playing for anyone else, until the Catalans’ financially issues forced him out the door somewhat.
The Argentine’s first appearance for La Blaugrana came in a LaLiga city derby at Espanyol. At just 17 years of age, and wearing the number 30 jersey, Messi came on as substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Deco, who had scored the only goal of the game in the early stages.
Paris Saint-Germain
Despite persistent rumours that Messi could be on his way out of Camp Nou, it still came as a shock to see him donning the jersey of another club. With former Barça buddy Neymar wearing number 10, the Argentina captain had 30 on his back once again.
Messi’s first appearance for PSG came in a Ligue 1 fixture away to Reims on 29 August 2021, again as a substitute, replacing the Brazilian in the 65th minute. The playmaker showed several flashes of what we all knew he could do, although Kylian Mbappé ultimately stole the show by scoring twice in a 2-0 win.
Argentina national team
Messi’s full international career began on 17 August 2005, a full 17 years before he finally got his hands on the World Cup trophy, which for a long time seemed might elude him.
However, it was a debut to forget for the then 18-year-old, who once more came off the bench in a friendly against Hungary in Budapest in the 63rd minute and lasted just 43 seconds before being sent off for striking an opposing player with his arm as he was shielding the ball. Thankfully for all involved, it wasn’t a sign of things to come.
Messi hopeful of best career debut with Inter Miami
Having decided to play out what could be the final chapter of his career with Inter Miami, Messi is expected to feature for Inter Miami for the first time against Cruz Azul on Friday, this time with the number 10 on his back.
“Messimania” has officially taken over Miami, with tickets for the fixture long since sold out. Will Messi start and can he score his first ever debut goal stateside?