It seems like Lionel Messi has already made Inter Miami his home as the Argentine continues to impress in his new country. The 2022 World Cup winner scored twice and assisted once yesterday in the 4-0 demolition of Atlanta United in the Leagues Cup. It was also his first start since joining the club.
The seven times Ballon d’Or winner scored his third goal in two matches where he has just played 58 minutes overall. In his debut game, he won the game 2-1 against Cruz Azul in the same competition with a last-minute free-kick goal.
Moreover, Messi has been given the captain’s armband as well. The former Barcelona man has managed to fit in well in his new club.
Lionel Messi sends message with ‘hold my beer’ gesture to Beckham
Messi scored his first goal from a Sergio Busquets assist in the eighth minute, a common feature during their Barcelona days. After scoring the goal, he first celebrated with his new teammates. He also pulled out his normal celebration, pointing both fingers to the sky.
The Argentinian then walked back to his place for the restart. He then saw David Beckham, who co-owns the club applauding him. Seeing the English legend, Messi smiled and did a hand celebration resembling holding a beer. The former Manchester United midfielder also smiled at the gesture.
Messi to David Beckham after scoring đ pic.twitter.com/3V0S5temHm
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 26, 2023
The celebration doesn’t seem to have any real significance, though fans on social media have started buzzing. The new relationship between Beckham and Messi seems to have made everyone excited.
Messi scored his second in the 22nd minute after Robert Taylor passed the ball to him. Messi soon returned the favor, by assisting Robert to score his first of the game as well. The Finland international also later scored again to complete his own brace.
Tata Martino hails Lionel Messi’s impact
After the game, manager Tata Martino also couldn’t hold back his appreciation for the impact done by his fellow countryman. The Argentine boss formerly also managed Messi during his Barcelona days.
Since his arrival, the team has won two games consecutively. Before they had lost six games in a row, which perfectly shows the impact Lionel Messi has had on the team. According to GOAL, Martino described the impact Messi has had as ‘contagious’.
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He then described why Messi has been so good and how the whole team is benefiting. He said, “The great change that Leo has had, having taken off a great weight that he had on his shoulders, he has done it with the Argentine national team in the last two years and that shows in everything: in his day-to-day life, in his statements, in his way of facing each of the games.”
“He is a very free player, and undoubtedly for a player of such caliber, being free involves starting to see much more of these types of performances.
Lionel Messi will make his MLS debut for the club when Inter Miami hosts Charlotte on August 21. Before that, he will have some more time to enjoy the scenic lifestyle in Miami.
