• Loading stock data...
Sunday, July 13, 2025

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

Stephen Curry celebrates after sinking the winning putt during the final round of the American Century Celebrity Championship golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev., Sunday, July 16, 2023.

Golf’s Hottest Celebrity Tournament Keeps Getting More Exclusive

The American Century Championship tees off at Lake Tahoe on Friday.
Jul 10, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Iga Swiatek of Poland at her on court interview after winning her match against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland on day 11 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

Wimbledon Set to Deliver Strong Finals Matchup for ESPN

Novak Djokovic is still in the hunt for his 25th Grand Slam.
Oct 27, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; A general view of the Wells Fargo Center before game between Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens.

New Philly Arena Will Redefine Home-Court Advantage, CEO Says

The forthcoming venue will arrive with plenty of ambition among its owners.

Jalen Williams Signs Max Deal As Thunder Commit $822M to 3 Stars

Oklahoma City also extended Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.

Featured Today

May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.
July 12, 2025

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.
July 11, 2025

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
NFL
July 11, 2025

30 NFL Second-Rounders Still Unsigned With Camps Set to Open

Saturday is the earliest rookie report date for training camp.
July 12, 2025

Misiorowski’s Path From Anonymous to MLB All-Star In 5 Games

The Brewers flamethrower has just five games of major-league experience.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 11, 2025

Najee Harris Contract Situation Unclear Following Fireworks Injury

The running back signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Chargers in March.
Sinner
July 11, 2025

ESPN Gets Dream Alcaraz-Sinner Rematch in Wimbledon Final

The pair have won the last six men’s majors.
Apr 9, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Katie Taylor (left) and Amanda Serrano (right) pose in front of Jake Paul during a press conference ahead of their boxing match at Madison Square Garden.
July 11, 2025

Serrano vs. Taylor 3 Set to Be Biggest Women’s Boxing Match in..

“I’m just sick of the whining and complaining from your team.”
Jul 10, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dunks against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first quarter of their game at Thomas & Mack Center.
July 11, 2025

Cooper Flagg Makes Mavericks, New Balance Debut in Win Over Bronny

Thursday marked Flagg’s first game donning New Balance shoes.