Share this @internewscast.com

Lionel Messi left Inter Miami teammate Robert Taylor in disbelief with an ‘insane’ piece of skill in their win over Real Salt Lake City on Wednesday night.

Miami kicked off the 2024 MLS season in style at their newly-named Chase Stadium, where they cruised past Real Salt Lake thanks to goals from Taylor and Diego Gomez.

While he wasn’t on the scoresheet himself, Messi was still at his brilliant best to help the hosts claim a 2-0 win, teeing up Taylor for the game’s opening goal.

After cutting inside on his preferred left foot, Messi’s path to goal was blocked by a Salt Lake defender lying down on the floor injured – but this proved no problem as he simply chipped the ball over them before trying to get a shot away.

Lionel Messi

Robert Taylor

Lionel Messi left Inter Miami teammate Robert Taylor in disbelief during their win over Real Salt Lake City

Messi chipped the ball over an injured player on the ground before getting a shot away

Messi chipped the ball over an injured player on the ground before getting a shot away

It was an outrageous piece of skill from a player heralded by most as the greatest of all time – and Finnish midfielder Taylor was in awe after the game. 

‘That was insane,’ he told reporters about Messi’s chip over the injured player. ‘I couldn’t believe he did that.’

Messi put in a man-of-the-match display, producing some dazzling footwork, seeing a free-kick cleared off the line and hitting the bar directly from a corner before setting up Taylor’s opener.

The 36-year-old received a half-time hug from Will Smith – one of the stars in attendance at upgraded Chase Stadium – and continued to play with an irresistible swagger.

While Miami lost their way as a team after their dominant first half, they dug deep and eventually killed off vastly improved RSL.

Messi and Co got off to a flyer in their opening MLS fixture of the season, claiming a 2-0 win

Messi and Co got off to a flyer in their opening MLS fixture of the season, claiming a 2-0 win

Messi showed brilliant strength, speed and close control to drive forward through the middle before playing in Luis Suarez, who set up Diego Gomez to score in the 83rd minute.

‘Last year we talked about how Messi opened up so much space, but you have Messi and Suarez now… it opens a lot of space for me on the wing,’ said Taylor. 

‘They link so well together, so they attract a lot of defenders to them, so it leaves space for me also sometimes.’

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Transfer Scoop: Tottenham Preparing Enhanced Bid for Mohammed Kudus, Updates on Ethan Nwaneri’s Arsenal Deal, Nottingham Forest’s Search for Anthony Elanga Alternatives, and the Latest on Jack Grealish’s Future

TOTTENHAM are expected to make an improved bid for WEST HAM forward…

West Ham urges Tottenham to rethink bid for Mohammed Kudus after trophy clause is added

Tottenham’s bid for Mohammed Kudus included add-ons that only kicks in if…

Leah Williamson, Lionesses Captain, Stars in Calvin Klein Underwear Campaign Ahead of Women’s Euros

Lionesses captain Leah Williamson stripped down to her underwear as she modelled…

Adidas Highlights the Spirit of Competition in New Film for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025

In anticipation of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, adidas has launched an…

Heartfelt Tribute: Liverpool Squad Gathers to Honor Diogo Jota, with Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson Leading the Tribute at His Funeral

Liverpool players were applauded as they arrived to attend Diogo Jota’s funeral…

Wolves reveal 2025/26 home jersey with a distinctive new design

Wolverhampton Wanderers have revealed their new home shirt for the 2025/26 season…

Aaron Ramsdale Celebrates Italian Wedding with Famous Premier League Star

Two years following their low-key ceremony at a registry office in London,…

Ex-MLB Pitcher Daniel Serafini Shows No Emotion During Prosecutors’ Closing Arguments in Murder Case

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Daniel Serafini was pictured sitting through the…

Fans Overwhelm Gravesite to Take Photos, Prompting Police Response

Police have been called to Diogo Jota’s graveside as fans started snapping photos…

Dominic Calvert-Lewin in Negotiations for Free Transfer to Top-Tier European Club

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has held fresh talks with Newcastle, talkSPORT understands. Calvert-Lewin is…

Lionel Messi’s Contract Status with Inter Miami Unveiled Amid Rumors of Negotiations with Saudi Arabian Club

A significant development in the contract discussions between Lionel Messi and Inter…