Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has moved to dedicate his latest match-winning strike to a new teammate in Florida.
For those who may somehow have missed it, seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi was back in action in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Fresh off seeing his surprise move to MLS strugglers Inter Miami made official, the Argentine was thrown straight into the fray for the club’s cup showdown with Cruz Azul.
And though he was forced to make do with a spot on the bench from the off, Messi went on to make his impact very much felt.
After dazzling on the back of his introduction early in the 2nd-half of action, the 36-year-old was afforded the chance to cap a fine debut showing deep into injury time.
This came as Inter were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the Cruz Azul penalty area, firmly in ‘Messi range’.
Good morning to everyone, *especially* Lionel Messi. pic.twitter.com/yO1aLRiZHe
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 22, 2023
Post-match, it was in turn Messi’s name which, inevitably, took its place front and centre in the headlines.
As alluded to above, though, whilst all eyes were on the Argentine, Messi himself made use of the opportunity to instead divert attentions to one of his new teammates.
After Ian Fray was forced into a first-half departure from proceedings owing to just the latest in a string of injury problems, Inter’s superstar attacker paid tribute, dedicating his debut winner to the talented 20-year-old:
Leo Messi: “Let me dedicate this victory to Ian Fray (Inter Miami teammate) who was suffering in the locker room from the injury he sustained. He comes from two serious injuries and today he has the bad luck to go through an injury again.” pic.twitter.com/UsSZHoVhZ9
— Leo Messi 🔟 Fan Club (@WeAreMessi) July 22, 2023
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