Featured Image Credit: Apple TV & Getty
Topics: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, MLS
Ninad Barbadikar
Lionel Messi's debut for Inter Miami was full of memorable moments during and after the game, in an interview where his gesture to a teammate truly summed him up.
The Argentine superstar's debut for Inter Miami was an evening to remember for all in attendance, including fans and celebrities alike.
With the game hanging in the balance, Inter Miami boss decided to bring on Messi alongside his former Barcelona team-mate Sergio Busquets and that ultimately made the difference for them.
It was Messi's incredible free-kick goal in the dying moments of the match against Cruz Azul that sealed the win for his team. He knew he had to take his chance. However, after the game, his gesture for a team-mate during a post-match interview won many hearts.
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Messi, in his post-match interview, dedicated the win to his teammate, Ian Fray, who had to be taken off around the half hour mark due to an injury.
Fray is a homegrown youngster at Inter Miami and since making the step up to the first team, he has suffered back to back ACL injuries. No doubt Messi's kind words will provide some level of comfort to him as he prepares for another spell on the sidelines.
"Let me dedicate this victory to Ian (Fray), who was suffering in the locker room from the injury he sustained," said Messi.
"He comes from two serious injuries, and today he has the bad luck to go through an injury again."
Messi's gesture to Fray was praiseworthy to say the least and sums him up as a player and as a person, especially after a moment in which he was the centre of attention thanks to his late winner.
Having joined Inter Miami and for him to recognise the plight of a teammate in such a moment, made it all the more special from the little magician.