One gesture made words unnecessary and diverted the fans’ attention. Lionel Messi scored his first two goals of the year in the MLS regular season, but it was after scoring the fourth goal in Inter Miami’s epic comeback against Orlando City (2-4) that the 38-year-old captain celebrated and gave people something to talk about.
After executing a perfect free kick, the number 10 headed for the opposing bench with a bold gesture, pretending to offer an autograph to coach Oscar Pareja and company. And USMNT legend Alexi Lalas did not remain silent.
Lalas reacts to Leo’s gesture
Messi led Javier Mascherano’s side to their first victory against Orlando City, a rival they had never been able to beat away from home.
Inter&Co Stadium (formerly Exploria Stadium) celebrated goals from Marco Pasalic and Martín Ojeda in the first half, in the 18th and 24th minutes respectively. However, Lionel, Mateo Silvetti, and Telasco Segovia shone in the second half and sealed the match.
Of course, in the 90th minute, Messi’s free kick goal, which shook Maxime Crépeau’s net for the fourth time, caught everyone’s attention, but not because of the goal itself, but because of Leo’s celebration.
After pretending to sign an autograph for his opponents, social media was flooded with reactions to the Argentine’s gesture, and Alexi Lalas was not left out of the debate.
On his official X account, the former soccer player reposted the video of the ’10’ celebrating and wrote: “Messi…stone-cold killer.”
“Orlando brings out Messi’s inner Zlatan”, “Stone-cold-killer-GOAT”, “Ice cold“, were some of the responses Alexi received.
With his two goals, Messi extended his 22-year streak of scoring goals without interruption since his professional debut in 2005, making him one of the few players in soccer history to achieve this feat. In addition, he reached 898 goals in his professional career and is only two goals away from 900.
Javier Mascherano’s team thus secured its first victory after losing its debut match to LAFC (3-0).
The next challenge for Leo and Inter Miami will be on Saturday, March 7, against D.C. United away at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland.
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