Messi Lights Up Broadway, Scores Goal In Game Simulcast On Times Square Screens

Soccer superstar Lionel Messi sure knows how to make a Broadway entrance.

In a game livestreamed in New York’s Times Square, the heart of the theater district, Messi entered Saturday night’s MLS game against The New York Red Bulls in the 60th minute.

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But 29 minutes later, he scored a goal, his first in the MLS, helping his Inter Miami team to a 2-0 victory.

The game was simulcast from the play at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. It was the MLS debut for Messi and one of the league’s most eagerly-anticipated matches, owing to the superstar’s presence. It was unclear if he would be rested for this game, but common-sense marketing prevailed, even though it took a while for Messi to appear.

Messi signed with Inter Miami earlier this year and has turned a quiet soccer backwater into a must-see event, attracting celebrity turnouts and huge crowds. So far, he’s delivered on his promise, scoring the game-winning goal in his first game.

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