Lionel Messi finds the back of the net from outside the box to tie the score for Inter Miami. The Argentine maestro scored a second-half equalizer as Inter Miami claimed a 1-1 draw against Charlotte FC in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Saturday night. Despite the draw, Messi's celebration after scoring took center stage, leaving fans and commentators alike wondering about its origins.
Miami (19-4-8, 65 points) played to a draw for the third straight time following a five-match winning streak from July 17-Sept. 14. Charlotte (11-11-9, 42 points) was denied back-to-back victories, which would have marked the club's first winning streak since mid-June. Still, Charlotte FC are unbeaten over their past two matches on the heels of a three-match skid.
Messi tied Saturday's match in the 67th minute when he lasered a shot from beyond the box that evaded diving Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina to make it 1-1. It was Messi's 15th goal of the season, and he now trails Luis Suarez by a pair of tallies for the team lead. It was also Messi's third goal in four matches since his return from a two-month layoff stemming from an ankle injury.
However, the true highlight of the game wasn't the goal itself, but the celebration that followed. After finding the net, Messi turned to his teammates and then looked at the sky, striking a pose that resembled the iconic superhero, Ironman. This unexpected display of celebratory flair quickly went viral, with fans and commentators buzzing about the inspiration behind it. The viral nature of the celebration suggests a growing cultural impact of Messi, beyond just his on-field prowess.
Analyzing the Game
Inter Miami's draw against Charlotte was a tale of two halves. The first half saw both teams exchange chances with Messi firing narrowly wide from the top of the box, and Karol Swiderski's clever lob attempt landing on the roof of the net. Charlotte took the lead in the 57th minute with a goal from Karol Swiderski, who deflected a low shot from Brandt Bronico past Miami keeper Drake Callender.
Messi's Impact
Messi's equalizer in the 67th minute, however, came as a result of his trademark skill and finesse. He carved out just enough space for a shot and buried his left-foot drive into the bottom corner, proving that even with a draw, he remains a game-changer. After the match, Coach Gerardo Martino acknowledged that the team's recent draws are frustrating, but he also emphasized the positive strides Inter Miami has made since his arrival. Martino highlighted the team's transformed perception, attributing it to their newfound ability to consistently win and compete at the highest level.
The Significance of the Draw
Despite the frustration of a third straight draw, Miami, already assured of a place in the playoffs, remain top of the Eastern Conference and the Supporters Shield regular season standings. They can clinch the Supporters' Shield with a victory or a draw away to Columbus on Wednesday. However, the draw opens the door for the Columbus Crew, who have a game in hand.
Looking Ahead
The next game for Inter Miami will be against the Columbus Crew on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The team will then head north to face Toronto FC on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 4 p.m. ET. It remains to be seen if Messi will continue to celebrate with an 'Ironman' pose, or if he will unveil a new celebratory move. What is certain is that the legendary player continues to captivate the world with his on-field performances and off-field antics.
The Messi Magic Endures
Lionel Messi's arrival in MLS has brought a wave of excitement and renewed interest to the league. His presence, coupled with his on-field brilliance, has attracted fans and media attention from around the globe. The recent draw against Charlotte may have been a slight disappointment for Inter Miami, but Messi's 'Ironman' celebration serves as a reminder that the magic of the Argentinian superstar continues to captivate audiences, regardless of the outcome of the game.
