Lionel Messi left Inter Miami fans speechless with a remarkable piece of skill during their MLS opener on Wednesday night.
The Argentine started alongside former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez for the first time in MLS at Chase Stadium and they dominated the first half against Real Salt Lake.
Robert Taylor scored the opening goal of the season for Gerardo Martino’s team off a Messi assist – thanks to some awful goalkeeping from Zac MacMath in the Salt Lake goal.
Moments later, Messi threatened a second goal for David Beckham‘s franchise after some ridiculous skill that presented a chance in front of goal.
Messi cut inside onto his preferred left foot but his path to goal was blocked by a Salt Lake defender, who was lying down on the ground injured.
Lionel Messi left Inter Miami fans speechless with a remarkable piece of skill on Wednesday
I mean come on this is just insane. Guy is down injured and #Messi𓃵 just bounces it right over him like it’s no big deal 🤣 pic.twitter.com/93eXdGQ5Mz
— David (@david_b712) February 22, 2024
The blockage would prove no problem for Messi though as he remarkably hit the ball into the ground before it bounced up and over the defender on the ground.
Messi then tried to get his shot away but it was blocked as Salt Lake avoided conceding another goal.
The piece of play left fans stunned by Messi’s creativity and they flocked to social media to praise the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star.
‘Oh my days Messi chipping the ball over the injured player on the ground during open play and getting a shot off was insanity’, wrote one fan.
‘Messi just lifted the ball over a player who was on the ground while dribbling at full speed, this was an absolutely ridiculous touch. Kind of hard to describe but when you see it it’s incredible,’ added another.
‘Messi’s dribbling over hurt players like they’re practice cones,’ commented another.
Fans were quick to go to social media to rave about Messi’s quick thinking and deft touch
