Lionel Messi’s Black Panther Celebration Inspires Inter Miami Win

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The football legend mesmerizes with a dazzling display and debuts a Wakanda

Lionel Messi wowed fans once again with his exceptional skills and a new goal celebration during Inter Miami’s triumphant 3-1 victory over Orlando City in the Leagues Cup Round of 16 at the DRV PNK Stadium in Florida. The match faced a delay of more than 90 minutes due to adverse weather conditions, but Messi’s dazzling performance made it worth the wait for his new adoring fans.

The 36-year-old football legend began his scoring spree in the seventh minute, volleying home from close range after an excellent assist from Robert Taylor. Orlando City managed to equalize, but Messi’s leadership qualities shone through as he decided to let teammate Josef Martinez take a penalty and convert it with precision into the bottom left corner, breaking his dry spell in the Leagues Cup.

Martinez returned the favor later in the game, setting up Messi for his second goal in the 72nd minute. The Venezuelan forward found Messi with a well-placed pass in the box, allowing the 2022 World Cup winner to strike a powerful right-footed volley into the bottom corner from six yards out.

Image: Messi doing the Black Panther celebration. pic.twitter.com/6oIOBPf416

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) August 3, 2023

Inter Miami’s coach Tata Martino praised Messi’s remarkable performance, acknowledging that a player who scored 40 goals in a season would naturally score five goals in three matches. Messi’s impact on the team has been undeniable, as he now boasts an impressive five goals in just three games for Inter Miami.

His new goal celebration captured the fans’ attention even more than Messi’s goal-scoring prowess. In a nod to the iconic Marvel superhero film ‘Black Panther,’ Messi unveiled the ‘Wakanda Forever’ salute, popularized by the movie’s characters. This new celebration follows his equally impressive ‘hold my beer’ reaction in the previous week’s win against Atlanta.

Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has injected newfound energy and excitement into the team, and his performances on the field continue to inspire both teammates and fans alike. As the Argentine star continues to showcase his talent and dedication, it is evident that he is not only a football legend but also a symbol of inspiration and unity, paying tribute to popular culture and igniting the passion of the fans with each goal he scores.