Messi’s every move shown on TikTok in winning Inter Miami playoff debut

Every action of Lionel Messi was highlighted during his first playoff game in Major League Soccer.

Every touch, every attempt to score, even in moments of inactivity, it was all evident.

During the playoff opener on Friday night, which saw Inter Miami secure a 2-1 victory over Atlanta United, a special “Messi-cam” was dedicated solely to the team's star player. For the entire match, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was streamed live on MLS’s TikTok account.

It captured the thrill surrounding Inter Miami, which saw a huge rise in popularity after Messi joined the team in the middle of the 2023 season.

The stadium was filled with enthusiastic Messi supporters and well-known personalities, such as Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., ex-NFL player Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson, and actor Idris Elba.

“The impact of Messi has been incredible,” Johnson stated in a TV interview. “On a global scale, having him in the U.S. is helping us elevate the sport and increase its popularity here, especially given the variety of sports we have. Personally, it’s been a delight not having to travel to Spain to see him play anymore.”

While Messi didn't find the back of the net, he played a crucial role in setting up Jordi Alba's goal that put the team ahead in the 60th minute. Messi had multiple opportunities to score, but Atlanta's goalkeeper, Brad Guzan, was up to the task, making five saves on him throughout the match.

Inter Miami has secured the top position in the playoffs, achieving new MLS records with a total of 74 points and a winning percentage of .765.

After scoring three goals in the last game of the regular season, Messi is being considered for the league's MVP award, even though he was sidelined for nearly half of the MLS season due to injuries and his responsibilities with Argentina's national team. He ended the season with a total of 20 goals and 16 assists. Luis Suarez also netted 20 goals, making them the first duo of teammates in MLS history to achieve this feat in a single season.

The 37-year-old grinned and embraced his teammates when Suarez netted the first goal just under two minutes into the game.

He was seen sprinting past a defender and, with one quick move, taking a shot from outside the penalty area. Guzan managed to tip the ball over the crossbar. Later, he put his hands on his head in disbelief and looked up towards the stands after Guzan stopped him again.

Throughout much of the first half, fans remained on their feet. Those nearest to the field leaned in, holding their phones high above their heads to snap pictures and record videos of Messi whenever he came near.

Miami has the opportunity to clinch the best-of-three series by taking Game 2 in Atlanta on November 2nd.