Messi Scores Trademark Goal, Pays Tribute to Djokovic in Inter Miami Victory

Lionel Messi delivered a moment of brilliance scoring a classic goal to lead Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer. Entering the match as a substitute in the 55th minute at DRV PNK Stadium, the Argentine forward wasted no time, finding the net just two minutes later with an assist from his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez. 

The game showcased Messi’s timeless skill. Brought on alongside Suárez, he quickly shifted the momentum. In the 57th minute, Suárez slipped a sharp pass to Messi on the right side of the penalty area. 

With a defender closing in, Messi cut inside, shifted the ball to his right foot, and fired a low shot into the far corner past the outstretched Philadelphia goalkeeper. The strike was vintage Messi smooth, calculated, and decisive igniting the crowd and sealing the three points for his team.

What followed the goal added an extra layer of meaning. As he celebrated, Messi mimicked swinging a tennis racket, a clear gesture toward Djokovic, who had advanced to the Miami Open final the previous day. On March 28, Messi had attended the tennis star’s semifinal match at Hard Rock Stadium, watching Djokovic defeat Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3. 

Joined by his family, Messi saw the Serbian player dominate with his trademark intensity, setting up a championship clash scheduled for March 30. The soccer legend’s presence in the stands didn’t go unnoticed, and the two athletes met afterward, swapping signed shirts and sharing a friendly exchange.

Djokovic, born the same year as Messi in 1987, spoke warmly about the encounter. “Having Leo there watching me play live for the first time was a real honor,” he told reporters after his win. “He’s one of the best to ever do it, and it means a lot.” Messi’s on-field nod the next night reflected that respect, linking two of the biggest names in sports through a shared moment of recognition.

For Inter Miami, the victory underscored their strength. The first half had been tense, with Philadelphia pressing hard, but manager Gerardo Martino’s second-half substitutions turned the tide. Pairing Messi with Suárez, whose chemistry dates back to their Barcelona days, proved a masterstroke. 

The duo’s quick interplay led to the decisive goal, highlighting their ability to unlock defenses even years after their peak together in Spain. With this result, Inter Miami solidified their standing as a force in the 2025 MLS season.