Some fans were disappointed that Messi did not start the game, especially as resale tickets on Friday morning were selling between $200-$5,000 (£155.50-£3,888). But it was all worth it come full-time, and it’ll be a moment that’s forever talked about within the franchise.
Beckham explained before kickoff that Messi was very unlikely to start, as he’s only just returned from his holidays. “We don’t know if Leo [Messi] is going to play the game or if he will have minutes, because I think that, after all, he needs to be ready,” Beckham told ESPN Argentina.
“We have to protect him and make sure that he is ready because he has been on vacation and has just arrived in Miami. He has trained and he looks good.”
Messi was clearly in perfect condition, but only needed 39 minutes to make his mark. The Messi MLS era is here, and there are still more signings rumoured.