The U.S. turmoil continues at an almost obscene rate, especially after the World Cup winner attended another clinic during Inter Miami's win over Nashville.
Messi continues to attract huge crowds across the United States, with more than 72,000 people filling Arrowhead Stadium for a recent MLS game against Sporting Kansas City.
A-list guests have flocked to watch him play, including Hollywood actor Paul Scheer, who attended Inter Miami's 1-1 draw with the LA Galaxy in February. In this match, the incredible number 10 scored the equalizer in the 92nd minute.
And Scheer spoke on the Offside with Taylor Twellman podcast about why Messi's show is so special.
“There was a crowd there that was excited about football because…you know, they were watching rock stars,” he said. “Whether you like Prince or you like Bruce Springsteen, you look at them and you think, 'Oh, this is a valuable talent,' right?
“You're just impressed and that's it. So I think not only Galaxy fans and soccer fans, but soccer fans were there and they wanted to see a great game.
“And I think a lot of those people paid a lot of money. They were going to put down roots and bring it.
“It was interesting because we go there and watch, and part of me is like, look, I'm there as a guest of the Galaxy, and I'm so happy to be able to support the Galaxy. There was a part like that.
“But look, we all know why we're there. We're there to see this player who upends everything we know about the sport. That's who we are. That's what I want to see.
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The crowd that packed into Miami's Chase Stadium for MLS vs. Nashville was treated to a performance from Messi, who would have graced the Camp Nou on a big night in the Champions League.
After watching his team fall behind, the 36-year-old saw his first shot saved by the Nashville keeper and then tied Miami up with a strong rebound. His colleague and friend Luis Suarez gave Messi a second chance at the cherry.
The Argentine international went on to add assists and scores that would lead Miami away from their rivals in the early MLS standings, but his biggest impact was a split-second skill that permanently dislocated his jaw to the floor.
At the end of the match, Messi made a pass that looked like the beginning of a one-two, with all the world in his eyes. Instead, the vertically challenging genius dummyed the return ball and let it slide to his teammates behind him.
Indeed, our brains looked and felt like fried chicken. wonderful.
Lionel Messi vs Nashville
Once again, it's exceptional. 🇦🇷👑pic.twitter.com/ouzVPi8LhD
— Stop That Messi (@stopthatmessiii) April 21, 2024
Miami has won consecutive games despite a rash of injuries, and Messi has nine goals and eight assists in nine games so far this season.
Messi also provided an assist for Sergio Busquets to celebrate his first goal for Miami since joining last July. His former Barcelona teammate connected on a corner kick for his second goal of the night, giving Miami the lead after conceding an early goal in the opening two minutes.
“I'm very happy to be able to score and help the team,” Busquets told reporters. “Leo took a really good corner kick, which was just a millimeter away for me, and I was lucky to score on it and help the team.
“I am very satisfied [to get the assist from Messi]. I'm very happy with everything his presence means at club level and off the field. We must continue to strive to achieve our goals. ”
There's a lot of talk about Premier League games coming to America, but the impact of seeing a player like Messi live (for those who can afford the exorbitant ticket prices) could benefit the sport in the long run. much more likely to result.
After another spectacular performance from Inter Miami, we can safely conclude that the US messifact continues apace.
Written by Michael Lee