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In a stunning display of skill, Lionel Messi rolled back the years with a vintage goal as Inter Miami secured a 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Tuesday night. The match was part of the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup's first round, and Messi's performance further cemented his reputation as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Lionel Messi’s vintage goal against Sporting Kansas City in CONCACAF Champions Cup
Despite his age, Lionel Messi continues to perform at an elite level and scored a remarkable goal from outside the box. After threading a precise through ball to his teammate Luis Suarez, Messi controlled the return pass with his chest before expertly rifling it into the bottom right corner of the net, leaving Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper John Pulskamp helpless.
This was not the only moment of brilliance from the Argentine star. Messi was also involved in Miami's second goal, playing a perfectly placed ball into the path of Jordi Alba. Alba then laid it off for Allende, who finished the move in the 45th minute to double the lead.
A well-deserved standing ovation for Lionel Messi
As the match concluded, Messi’s stellar performance earned him a standing ovation from the crowd. With his goal, he also made history, becoming the youngest player to score 852 career goals, a milestone that further showcases his enduring excellence on the field.
The future of Lionel Messi: A Final Destination in Miami?
Amidst ongoing speculation about his future, Messi has previously hinted that his time with Inter Miami will be the final chapter of his illustrious career. Last year, Messi shared his thoughts on the transition to playing in the United States, admitting that it was a difficult decision to leave Europe behind.
I've done this all of my life; I love playing ball. I enjoy the practices and the day-to-day, the games. Yeah, there's a bit of fear that it's all ending. It's always there. It was a difficult step leaving Europe to come here [Miami], Messi told ESPN Argentina.
He also mentioned that winning the World Cup had given him a new perspective on his career.
The fact we won the World Cup helped, it helped a lot, to see things in another way. But I try not to think about it. I try to enjoy it. I do that more now because I'm aware that there's not a lot of time left. So I have a good time with the club, being lucky having good teammates and friends at my side.
Messi further expressed his appreciation for the friendships and moments he's sharing with both his club and national team, noting,
I enjoy my time with the national team, where I also have good friends, too, and a lot. I enjoy those small details that I know I'll miss when I stop playing.
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