Lionel Messi cheekily trolled Orlando Metropolis as he sparkled in Inter Miami’s 4-2 derby victory within the MLS on Sunday.
Aged 38 and maybe within the remaining yr of his taking part in profession, Messi’s magic needs to be beginning to disappear, however he confirmed on the weekend that he nonetheless has lots up his sleeve.
The 2026 MLS season is underway and Messi has been in motion as he gears up for this summer season’s World Cup to assist Argentina defend their 2022 crown.
The brand new marketing campaign bought off to a colorless begin for Messi and Inter Miami, with LAFC incomes a complete 3-0 victory over their MLS rivals of their season opener.
Subsequently, Messi and co. have been underneath strain to bounce again on the weekend, particularly as they confronted native rivals Orlando Metropolis.
However Messi confirmed no signal of being underneath the cosh as he rolled again the yr’s with a match-winning brace after Orlando Metropolis raced right into a 2-0 lead at half-time.
The Barcelona legend’s first, after Mateo Silvetti made it 2-1, was an equaliser for Inter Miami across the hour mark, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner the calm within the storm, effortlessly sweeping the ball into the nook of the web with a trademark end.
Inter Miami’s second-half strain tolled as Telasco Segavia accomplished their deserved comeback earlier than Messi put the cherry on the cake in stoppage time.
Messi’s second got here through a long-range free-kick, which admittedly ought to have been stored out by Orlando goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.
Regardless, this aim strikes Messi stage with Pele on 70 profession free-kick objectives and solely seven adrift of Juninho Pernambucano, who can be fearing that the Inter Miami famous person might break his long-held file.
MESSI BURIES THE FREE KICK FOR HIS BRACE! 😱 pic.twitter.com/OY2INMvrHe
— Main League Soccer (@MLS) March 2, 2026
So, it was one other nice night for Messi, who rubbed salt in Orlando Metropolis’s wounds along with his celebration for his second aim.
Described by Spanish outlet Marca as a ‘daring gesture’, Messi cheekily requested whether or not these on the Orlando Metropolis bench needed his autograph, which is simply good housery.
It is going to even be a fear for Inter Milan’s rivals and the groups to face Argentina on the World Cup that Messi is in nice spirits and having fun with his soccer; don’t be stunned if he helps his nation retain the trophy in the summertime.
After the win over Orlando Metropolis, Inter Miami head coach and former Barcelona teammate Javier Mascherano was gushing at Messi’s efficiency.
Mascherano stated: “He’s the very best participant to ever play this sport. He’s a frontrunner, and as a frontrunner, he conjures up others, however he additionally usually must be impressed himself.
“He has the power to create possibilities like no-one else, and that’s what allowed us to show the sport round.”
By Lewis Oldham
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