During a recent CONCACAF Cup game against Nashville SC, Argentine forward Lionel Messi faced a hostile atmosphere, with fans mocking him by chanting Cristiano Ronaldo’s name.
@espnfc
Nashville fans were chanting ‘Ronaldo’ at #Lionel #Messi and then he did this 😮 (via jmouly96/IG)
Despite Messi having a couple of missed opportunities in the first half, including a misjudged shot in the 37th minute and a blocked free kick just outside the box during first-half stoppage time, he left his mark on the game in the 52nd minute, following Jacob Shaffelburg’s second goal for Nashville SC early in the second half.
Lionel Messi’s impactful debut
Lionel Messi scored his first goal against Nashville SC In the Leagues Cup final on August 19, 2023. He secured an early lead with a strike into the top left corner in the 23rd minute. Miami ultimately won the game and the League Cup in penalties, marking Messi’s debut competition with the MLS club a success.
This season marks Messi’s first full season with Inter Miami and in the MLS since signing with the club in July 2023. So far, he has scored three goals in three MLS matches.