Surrounded by five defenders, Lionel Messi chose his MLS debut to reinvent the rules of physics

 Surrounded by five defenders, Lionel Messi chose his MLS debut to rediscover the rules of physics

Since swapping PSG purgatory for the good life in Miami, Messi has treated crowds in the States to a greatest hits compilation like the uber NOW album.

Goals flew past trembling goalkeepers. The Defenders were made to look like Sports Direct sized mugs. Previously unannounced teammates turned into reincarnations of David Villa. But the half-watching public might be surprised to learn that Messi only made his MLS debut last night. From the bench. Fortunately, the World Cup winner chose the opportunity to rediscover the rules of physics.

After coming on as a second-half substitute, the 36-year-old set out to turn the exuberant New York Red Bulls into the kind of pathetic Jagerbombs you down at 3am without a Red Bull, double Jager and mentally write off next week's trial.

Collecting the ball in the Red Bulls penalty area, Messi stood upright and forced his opponents to fall into the trap to try and clear him. As a great chess master, he was already several steps ahead of the errant defense.

With five defenders converging on him as if the Argentinian was the last steak on the asado, Messi used the outside of his boot to deliver a pass that would have made Albert Einstein consider immediate retirement rather than trying to comprehend what he had just seen.

Benjamin Cremaschi, the recipient of Messi's latest piece of genius, immediately understood his role as sidekick and squared the ball to Messi to allow the multiple Ballon d'Or winner the opportunity to dot the I's and cross the T's. Even Premier League standard players such as former Aston Villa and Burnley midfielder Ashley Westwood, they were in awe to see Messi up close in the States.

"There was talk of Messi going to Inter Miami in the summer, it had been around for a while, so when it happened everyone was excited," Westwood told talkSPORT.

“Everybody was buzzing about it – the whole country was buzzing about it. You watch their games and NBA stars and celebrities go there, it's like a basketball game." Westwood faced Messi for the first time in August and the midfielder admits he was impressed by how good the Argentine superstar was.

"The stadium was full an hour before he even showed up," he said. “My wife and kids went to the game, flew down and said that even outside the game, he has 'Messi's Mac and Cheese' and Messi has everything. It's all Messi!

“Playing against him - I knew he was going to be good, but to be that good was just ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous. “I tried to kick him but I couldn't even get close to him. He's special, but I don't think he was too happy - he just stared at us the whole time and didn't speak much English.

"I've played against some good players, but he's on another level. The way he handles the ball – like the guys said, you put your foot out and he just flicks it. “Like he sees it before it happens, he's a magician. So far in America, Messi has certainly lived up to what has happened, taking this massive and slightly eccentric country and turning them into snarls.

His impact has been so great that Inter Miami's players have already been warned that they will have to get used to winning without Messi in the future. "Leo will miss at least three games," Miami manager Gerardo Martino explained. "He will be called up by his national team and so will others and we know that the team has to keep winning in these times."

“I think it's the first time we've played without him since the Cruz Azul game (Messi's debut). The response from the team without him was great for the first hour. "We controlled the game for the most part and took the lead. We needed to do that to know we could win without him. The response was satisfactory."

Martino is right; with Messi at their side, other Miami players take the opportunity to smoke cigars and have a picnic while the little genius does his thing. It won't fly forever. But for now, we think being part of Messi's weekly genius is just enough.

Lionel Messi, the master of football, consistently defies the odds and pushes the boundaries of what is possible on the pitch. With his recent Major League Soccer (MLS) debut, Messi not only mesmerized fans with his extraordinary skills, but also seemed to rewrite the laws of physics. In a remarkable display of talent, he demonstrated his ability to outmaneuver and shade his opponents, even when surrounded by a phalanx of five defenders. Let's dive into this amazing performance and explore how Messi's brilliance transcends the conventional boundaries of football.

Messi found himself in a tough spot surrounded by five alert defenders during his MLS debut. But what happened next stunned viewers and analysts alike. With his nimble footwork and unique vision, Messi effortlessly maneuvered the ball in close proximity to defenders as if the laws of physics were mere suggestions. The breathtaking sequence highlighted Messi's knack for changing his speed and direction with lightning-quick reflexes, leaving defenders gasping for air.

Messi's extraordinary display can be attributed to his deep understanding of physics, kinetics and spatial awareness. Its low center of gravity allows it to turn and change direction with minimal effort, defying the conventional physics that dictate the player's maneuverability. Additionally, Messi's mastery of balance and timing allows him to exploit the tiniest of gaps in the defenders' formation, effectively bending the rules of spatial relationships on the pitch. Soccer Physics, Messi Skills, Soccer Kinetics, Spatial Awareness in Soccer, Center of Gravity, Soccer Tactics

Messi's MLS debut showcased not only his individual brilliance, but also the transformative effect he has on team dynamics. Opposing teams often strategize to nullify his influence, employing multiple defenders to stifle his movements. However, as witnessed during this match, Messi's innate ability to read the game and adapt on the fly renders these tactics futile. His presence demands attention from multiple defenders, creating space and opportunities for his teammates to capitalize on. This shift in focus upends the traditional "marking" strategy used by defenders trying to contain a player who seems to defy the very tenets of the defensive game. Team Tactics in Soccer, Defense against Messi, Spatial Use in Soccer, Adaptive Gameplay, Soccer Strategies

Lionel Messi's landmark MLS debut isn't just a moment in sports history; he is an inspiration to aspiring footballers from all over the world. His ability to transcend the limitations of physics serves as a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and innovation. Young players who watch Messi perform can be encouraged to challenge convention, challenge boundaries and push the boundaries in their pursuit of excellence. Its impact goes beyond the immediate spectacle; it plants the seeds of ambition in the hearts of future soccer stars. Football inspiration, Messi's influence, Young footballers, Pushing boundaries, Striving for perfection

Lionel Messi's MLS debut was more than just a soccer match; it was a masterclass in defying the laws of physics and rewriting the playbook on how to play the game. Surrounded by five defenders, his mesmerizing performance left the crowd in awe and opponents scratching their heads. With his extraordinary ability, Messi has elevated the sport to new heights and inspired a generation of players to question limitations and embrace the limitless possibilities of the beautiful game. As Messi continues to redefine football, fans can only wait for the next breathtaking chapter in his legendary journey.