Messi wows fans with remarkable skills in Inter win
Lionel Messi wowed Inter Miami fans with remarkable skill during his first MLS match on Wednesday night.
The Argentine started alongside his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez for the first time in MLS at Chase Stadium and dominated the first half against Real Salt Lake.
Robert Taylor scored the first goal of the season for Gerardo Martino’s team with an assist from Messi, thanks to a terrible performance by goalkeeper Zac MacMath in the Salt Lake goal.
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Moments later, Messi threatened a second goal for David Beckham’s franchise after a ridiculous skill presented an opportunity in front of goal.
Messi cut inside with his preferred left foot, but his path to the goal was blocked by a Salt Lake defender, who lay injured on the ground.
However, the block would not be a problem for Messi as he noticeably hit the ball on the ground before it bounced over the defender on the ground.
Messi then tried to deflect his shot, but it was blocked and Salt Lake avoided conceding another goal.
The move left fans stunned by Messi’s creativity and they flocked to social media to praise the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star.
“Oh, back in my day, Messi hitting the ball over the injured player on the ground during open play and shooting was crazy,” wrote one fan.
“Messi just lifted the ball over a player who was on the ground while dribbling at full speed, it was an absolutely ridiculous touch. It’s a little hard to describe, but when you see it it’s incredible,” added another.
“Messi dribbles around injured players like they were practice cones,” another commented.
Messi put on a man-of-the-match display, producing outrageous footwork, seeing a free kick cleared off the line and hitting the crossbar straight from a corner before setting up Robert Taylor’s opener.
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The 36-year-old received a hug at halftime from Will Smith, one of the stars in attendance at the renovated Chase Stadium, and continued playing with irresistible swagger.
While Miami lost their way as a team after their dominant first half, they dug deep and ultimately ended up with a vastly improved RSL.
Messi showed brilliant strength, speed and close control to advance through the middle before playing into Luis Suarez, who set up Diego Gomez to score in the 83rd minute.