Against Real Salt Lake, the star of Argentina turned on a spectacular performance in the curtain raiser Major League Soccer pregame.
As Real Salt Lake took on Major League Soccer, David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, was front and center to see the performance of star player Lionel Messi.
After watching Tata Martino’s aggressive team play in Wednesday’s 2-0 victory, the legendary player of Manchester United and England, who flew to Florida for the season’s opening match, must have been pleased.
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Messi was the man of the match, showcasing incredible footwork, seeing a free kick pushed off the line, hitting the bar straight from a corner, and setting up Robert Taylor’s opening goal.
Will Smith, one of the celebrities present at the newly renovated Chase Stadium, gave the 36-year-old a hug at halftime, and he played with an unstoppable swagger after that.
After a commanding first half, Miami faltered as a team, but they persevered and ultimately eliminated a much-improved RSL.
In the 83rd minute, Messi scored a goal by driving into the middle of the pitch with incredible strength, speed, and close control. Luis Suarez then assisted Diego Gomez in scoring the goal.
The former Liverpool striker saw his debut goal masterfully stopped by Zac MacMath, who was responsible for letting Taylor’s first-half shot slip past him, but that moment gave Miami new life.
The custodian for Salt Lake also denied Messi after an amazing run down the right, helping the hosts close out a difficult second half with a victory.
Actually, the only person who could keep up with the captain of Argentina on Wednesday was his personal bodyguard, who followed the star all over the touchline.
