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After the final whistle, Lionel Messi disappeared into the tunnel, not waiting to celebrate the win with his teammates.
Lionel Messi didn’t wait for the post-match bonhomie. (Screengrab)
Inter Miami bounced back from three consecutive defeats with a resounding win over New York Red Bulls in the Major League Soccer (MLS). The Herons registered a 4-1 victory in the crucial league fixture on home soil on Sunday. After the match, Lionel Messi, who scored the fourth goal for Inter Miami, reportedly left the pitch in a hurry while his teammates waited to celebrate the triumph.
In a fan-made video circulating online, the Argentine superstar was captured heading straight for the locker room.
Messi appeared to be fatigued after playing the full 90 minutes. He even skipped customary handshakes after the final whistle and disappeared into the tunnel.
The actual reason for his quick departure, however, remains unknown.
🚶♂️ Messi Immediately Walks Off at Final Whistle.While Inter Miami stays on the field to relish the 4-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls, Lionel Messi walks directly to the locker room without much celebration.#InterMiamiCF #Messi???? pic.twitter.com/p26fvb0tIf
— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) May 4, 2025
Messi and Inter Miami aim for the MLS title after their shocking elimination from the CONCACAF Champions Cup. They crashed out of the tournament after losing the two-leg semi-finals to Vancouver Whitecaps at an aggregate of 5-1.
The Florida-based side also had a disappointing outing in the previous MLS game, where FC Dallas beat them by a narrow margin of 4-3.
Inter Miami looked completely different in the latest home fixture.
Only nine minutes into the game, Fafa Picault put the hosts in front. At the half-hour mark, Marcelo Weigandt doubled the lead while Luis Suarez made it 3-0 in the 39th minute.
For the New York Red Bulls, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting reduced the deficit before the first-half whistle. Messi struck in the 67th minute to make things easier for Inter Miami. They are now fourth in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, only three points behind table-topper Columbus Crew with one game in hand.
Messi hasn’t had the best start to this season.
Inter Miami, managed by former Argentine defender Javier Mascherano, have mostly built their strategy around the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. With Messi in charge, Inter Miami have already secured the Leagues Cup and the MLS Supporters Shield.
They hope to replicate the success by winning their first-ever league title this term.
Despite missing a few games due to injury, Messi has already scored nine goals and provided three assists in his 14 appearances across all competitions.
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