• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

Messi Already Showing He’s Worth The Money After MLS Debut

  • Messi scored a last-minute goal to seal the win for Inter Miami in his MLS debut.
  • Fans are waiting to hear when the Argentinian legend will suit up again for Miami.
Major League Soccer via USA TODAY Sports

Lionel Messi’s first game in an Inter Miami uniform was everything MLS could have hoped for — and then some.

After over a month of fanfare since the Argentinian legend announced he was coming to the U.S. for the next chapter of his career, 21,000 fans squeezed into a sold-out DRV Pink Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Friday night for Messi’s debut in a Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul.

Anticipation built as the superstar sat out the first half before subbing into the game in its 54th minute. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner made fans wait until stoppage time to see his magic — netting a free kick before time expired to seal a 2-1 victory that set social media ablaze.

Among the stars catching Messi’s debut in person were Kim Kardashian, LeBron James, and Serena Williams.

Viewership numbers are not available for Messi’s debut on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV — specific figures have not been released all season. But Apple had been heavily promoting Messi’s presence in the days leading up to Friday’s match.

Inter Miami has its second Leagues Cup group stage match at Atlanta United on Tuesday, but it is unclear if Messi will suit up. The 36-year-old has traditionally not played on artificial turf — the playing surface at Mercedes Benz Stadium. Either way, Inter Miami is in good shape to make the knockout round that could see Messi make his second MLS appearance.

Before his debut, sports retailers had already been struggling to keep Inter Miami gear in stock. With Messi already bringing the heat, expect the mania to only continue.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Gareth Bale: MLS Quality Hurt By Low Salaries

Bale said MLS salaries aren’t competitive enough to lure stars from Europe.
Aug 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Son Heung-min poses during an LAFC introductory press conference at BMO Stadium

Son Heung-Min Effect Will Hit Big for MLS and L.A.

With a record signing, the South Korean supernova has landed at LAFC.
Inter Miami bench

Inter Miami Post-Red Card Phone Coaching May Have Been Legal

Javier Mascherano appeared to continue coaching through a call from the stands.

Premier League Sets New Highs: $3.2B Spent, Record U.S. Viewership

The league’s transfer spending beats the rest of Europe’s Big Five combined.

Featured Today

Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.
August 30, 2025

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
August 26, 2025

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Candace Parker

Candace Parker Not a WNBA Owner Yet, but Her Business Is Booming

Her WNBA peers say she made the blueprint for earning off the court.
August 29, 2025

Kyle Schwarber’s MVP Candidacy Could Lead to Massive Payday

The Phillies slugger makes history and could do so again this winter.
August 29, 2025

Cowboys’ Parsons Approach Shows High Cost of Delayed Contracts

Parsons will sign a four-year, $188 million deal with the Packers.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
Cooper Lutkenhaus
August 28, 2025

Running Prodigy Ditches High School and College for Nike at 16

Cooper Lutkenhaus is a contender at next month’s track world championships.
Breanna Stewart
August 28, 2025

Breanna Stewart’s Injury Meant Rare Presence at WNBA CBA Talks

Stewart “makes the league sit up straight,” the union director told FOS.
August 28, 2025

Micah Parsons Traded to Packers, Set to Sign Record 4-Year, $188M Deal

The Cowboys reportedly offered Parsons $40.5 million per year in March.
Willie Mays
August 28, 2025

Willie Mays’s Son Tries to Block Sale of Some Memorabilia 

Michael Mays disputes that his father wanted certain items sold after he died.