Robert Lewandowski has officially opened his Major League Soccer scoring account, marking another milestone in the decorated striker’s career. The goal has naturally sparked comparisons with Lionel Messi, another global superstar who made the move to MLS and wasted little time making his mark.
So, how long did Messi take to score his first MLS goal?
Lionel Messi Scored in His MLS Debut
Lionel Messi needed just one MLS match to score his first regular-season goal.
The Argentine icon made his MLS debut for Inter Miami on August 26, 2023, against the New York Red Bulls. After starting on the bench, Messi entered the match in the 60th minute and found the back of the net in the 89th minute, helping Inter Miami secure a 2-0 victory.
That means Messi scored his first MLS goal after playing approximately 29 minutes of regular-season action.
Messi Was Already in Outstanding Form
Although the goal came in his first MLS appearance, Messi had already become one of the league’s biggest stories before making his regular-season debut.
Following his arrival at Inter Miami, Messi led the club to the inaugural Leagues Cup title, scoring 10 goals in seven matches during the tournament. By the time he stepped onto the field for his first MLS game, he was already one of the most in-form players in North American soccer.
Robert Lewandowski Joins the MLS Scoresheet
Lewandowski’s first MLS goal adds another chapter to his legendary career after years of success in Europe.
The Polish striker has been one of the most prolific forwards of his generation, winning league titles in Germany and Spain while starring for clubs including Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and FC Barcelona before making the move to Major League Soccer.
With his first MLS goal now secured, attention will shift to whether Lewandowski can replicate the remarkable scoring pace that defined his European career.
Lewandowski vs. Messi: First MLS Goal Comparison
| Player | MLS Debut | First MLS Goal | Games Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | August 26, 2023 | Same match vs. New York Red Bulls | 1 |
| Robert Lewandowski | 2026 | Scored after his debut | More than 1 |
Messi Set the Standard
While Lewandowski has now broken his MLS scoring duck, Messi’s immediate impact remains one of the fastest by any marquee signing in league history.
Scoring in his very first MLS appearance after only 29 minutes on the field underscored the instant influence he would have on Inter Miami and Major League Soccer as a whole. Lewandowski has now begun his own MLS journey, and fans will be watching closely to see whether he can build a similarly memorable legacy in North America.