Lionel Messi has finally returned to action at Inter Miami after missing five games due to a hamstring problem. He didn't just start, he came off the bench and proudly announced his return. Messi sparked Miami's comeback with a goal in the 57th minute, when the Herons were still behind the Colorado Rapids. So, the legend once again proved that every time he plays in Fort Lauderdale against the Herons, it's a celebration for the fans.
Yes, it was literally a celebration at Chase Stadium, with several celebrities channeling their inner fanatics and witnessing the Argentine's masterclass. This behavior of celebrities is also not surprising. LeBron James and Kim Kardashian watched in awe from the stands as the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner made his Inter Miami debut. Then, when Messi and Miami took to Tinseltown, the Leonardo DiCaprios of the world cheered him on.
Lionel Messi's big welcome
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It was highly uncertain whether fans would be able to see Lionel Messi play against Colorado. Thanks to a hamstring injury suffered in early March, the Argentine's participation was always a match-day decision for Tata Martino. Nevertheless, Puerto Rican rap icon Daddy Yankee couldn't help but try his luck to see if Messi would play.
Thankfully, the Yankees had the privilege of watching the 36-year-old score an incredible goal, and Daddy Yankee even donned a Miami jersey and warmly hugged him courtside at La Pulga before the game started.
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While Daddy Yankee was having a wholesome moment with Leo Messi on the field, Spanish mixed martial arts superstar Ilia Topuria was cheering on him from the VIP lounge at Chase Stadium. A viral clip from X shows an enthusiastic Topria praising Messi's edgy shot in the 57th minute.
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Ilya Topria's relationship with football is very famous among fans. He teamed up with Messi's former teammate and Barcelona legend Gerard Pique to launch a novel MMA project in Spain. What's more, the mixed martial arts star is also famous for once praising Leo Messi, despite his affinity for Real Madrid.
Ilia Topria praises Lionel Messi
Ilia Topria is a Real Madrid fan. Considering all the damage Lionel Messi has done to Madrid, it is highly unlikely that such fans would praise him publicly. But Topuria is an outlier. He confidently said: “I'm a fan of Real Madrid's values, but as an athlete I really like Messi and his approach to life.” He added that Messi has been an inspiration for his career. So it's no surprise that the Spaniard rushed to South Florida to catch a glimpse of his idol.
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In any case, Messi's goal did not contribute to Inter Miami's victory. Following Messi, the pride of Miami, Leonardo Alfonso took the lead with a goal. However, the Herons broke it up in the 88th minute after allowing a goal to Colorado's Cole Bassett. Although they didn't win, the game between Miami and Colorado will be talked about because it set the stage for Leo's return.
