The Unstoppable Lionel Messi Just Won’t Quit Even at the Age of 38
Another Saturday night in Fort Lauderdale, another masterclass from Lionel Messi. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the little magician pulls another rabbit out of his hat, leaving fans, opponents, and probably even his own teammates wondering if he’s even from this planet. This time, the stage was Chase Stadium for Inter Miami’s final regular-season home game, and the opponent was a hapless Atlanta United FC. The final score? A resounding 4-0 beatdown, with Messi’s fingerprints all over it.
Let’s set the scene. It was Fan Appreciation Night, but the real question on everyone’s mind was: “Will he or won’t he play?” Messi had spent the week training with his Argentine national team, presumably gearing up for a friendly match. Any sane person would assume he’d be resting up for international duty. But this is Lionel Messi we’re talking about. Sane doesn’t really apply.
Instead, he watched Argentina’s game against Venezuela from a suite, probably getting bored, and decided he’d rather lace up his boots for his club. According to Miami’s coach, Javier Mascherano, the decision was surprisingly simple. A quick chat with Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, confirmed Lionel Messi wouldn’t be needed. “I spoke with Leo about letting him play today; there’s not much more to it,” Mascherano said, trying to downplay the absurdity of having the world’s greatest player just casually decide to show up for a league match.
Messi’s Relentless Pursuit of the Golden Boot
From the opening whistle, it was clear Atlanta was in for a long night. Messi, apparently still annoyed he hadn’t scored in a few games, was on a mission. After a few near misses that only seemed to fuel his fire, he finally broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. It was classic Messi: a sublime, left-footed curler from the edge of the box that kissed the top corner of the net. The crowd went wild. It was his 25th goal of the season, and it was a beauty.
But one goal is never enough. With that strike, he leaped into first place in the MLS Golden Boot race. You could almost feel his competitive spirit kick into overdrive. “His life won’t change much either way,” Mascherano mused after the game, “but we know how competitive he is…if it is within reach, he will do all he can to win it.” No kidding.
A Night of Nostalgia and Farewell for Jordi Alba
The night wasn’t just about Messi’s goal-scoring exploits. It was also a tribute to another legend, Jordi Alba. The Spanish defender recently announced his retirement at the end of the season, and this was his final regular-season home game. What better way to celebrate than by getting on the scoresheet yourself, courtesy of your old Barcelona buddy?
In the 52nd minute, Lionel Messi delivered a picture-perfect long ball to a streaking Alba, who chipped it elegantly over the keeper. The celebration was pure emotion. Alba sprinted to the sideline to hug his family before being mobbed by his teammates. It was a moment that encapsulated the beautiful connection these two players have shared for years. To cap it off, Alba even assisted Messi for his second goal of the night in the dying minutes, sealing the 4-0 victory and putting Messi two goals clear in the Golden Boot race.
It was a fitting send-off, and the post-game tribute to Alba felt earned and heartfelt. “I think I’ve had a very good career,” Alba said, reflecting on his journey. “Proud of everything I’ve achieved.”
What’s Next for Inter Miami and Their Superstar?
The win keeps Inter Miami firmly in the playoff hunt, tied for second place in the East. With Luis Suárez also getting in on the action with a spectacular volley, the team looks formidable heading into the postseason. They’ll need all the firepower they can get.
As for Lionel Messi? Who knows. He might rejoin Argentina for their next friendly. He might decide to take a nap. The only certain thing is that whenever he steps on the pitch, you’d better be watching. He’s not just playing soccer; he’s crafting moments of pure genius, one game at a time. And for soccer fans in America, it’s a spectacle we shouldn’t take for granted.
