Lionel Messi’s ninth Inter Miami goal might have been his best yet, judging by the wild reaction on social media on Tuesday night.
Messi scored from around 35 yards out to put Miami 2-0 up in the first half against Philadelphia Union.
After receiving a pass from Josef Martinez, Messi moved forward unopposed and let fly with an ambitious shot from long range.
But his left-footed strike was hit so sweetly, it whistled into the far corner and past the reach of the helpless Union goalkeeper Andre Blake.
Pat McAfee was watching the game – the ‘other’ football – and was left in shock.
‘MESSI JUST SCORED FROM THE PARKING LOT,’ McAfee wrote on Twitter.
J.J. Watt, who is learning about soccer after his recent investment in English Premier League side Burnley, can do a lot worse than keep watching Messi at Miami.
‘Messi. Every time. Unbelievable.’ Watt wrote, in amazement, on Twitter.
Herc Gomez, the former USA international soccer player, tweeted: ‘NINE GOALS FOR MESSI. Nine. Come on. He’s on a completely different level than everyone else in this competition.’
Messi’s goal put Miami 2-0 in the Leagues Cup game in Philadelphia after his strike partner Josef Martinez put the team in front in just the third minute.
Messi’s impact on the Miami team cannot be understated – Miami has been the worst team in Major League Soccer but since Messi arrived, they have been completely transformed.
Messi has yet to play in MLS itself – he has only played in the Leagues Cup – but Miami has swept aside every team it has faced with Messi in the starting line-up.
Now, Nashville awaits in the final of the Leagues Cup and it is only on Saturday when we will find out if it faces the same fate in Tennessee.
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