Lionel Messi takes photos with Dallas players queuing up for selfies on the pitch at full-time
FC Dallas players have shown their excitement over Lionel Messi playing in America, proving that it’s not just Major Soccer League fans who are thrilled. After Inter Miami’s 4-4 draw and subsequent penalty shootout win in the Leagues Cup, Dallas’ stars set aside their loss and gathered around the 2022 World Cup winner. At full-time, Messi was approached by Dallas players who all wanted a photo of the moment they played against one of the world’s best. TV footage captured several players wasting no time in asking Messi for a photo right after the final whistle. The Argentine happily obliged, turning his post-match handshakes into posing with each of the Dallas stars. It seemed like the MLS players were forming a queue on the pitch to capture a snap with Messi. And who can blame them? Messi has been exceptional since he arrived on the east coast. In the Leagues Cup last-16 fixture, he not only opened the scoring in the sixth minute but also scored a late equalizer through a glorious free-kick, ultimately helping his team stay in the competition. Miami eventually won the game on penalties, with Messi successfully converting one of them. The Barcelona legend now has an impressive tally of seven goals in just four Leagues Cup games, including his two against FC Dallas. It was a thrilling match, and Dallas players taking pictures with Messi added to the excitement. Are you tired of Messi Magic yet? What a rush! [Twitter link]
On Tuesday evening, Dallas hosted Barcelona in the International Champions Cup at AT&T Stadium in Texas. The exciting match saw a stunning display of talent from both teams, and was ultimately sealed by a 2-1 victory for the Spanish giant. But perhaps the most memorable moment of the night came at full time, when Lionel Messi took time off the pitch to join a line of Dallas players queuing up for selfies.
The line of players – including Kellyn Acosta, Walker Zimmerman, and Michael Barrios – were clamouring for a photo with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, and Messi was more than up for the challenge. The Argentine superstar had been in arguably his finest form on the night, scoring a beautiful individual equalizer in the first half in what would be his only goal of the match.
After the match, Messi gladly accepted the requests of his fellow players and graciously obliged them with multiple photo opportunities. The former La Liga Best Player extended his greatness beyond the field, and both Dallas and Barcelona sides were in awe of such camaraderie and sportsmanship.
This scene, of Lionel Messi happily embracing his fellow players, certainly resonated with the home crowd in Dallas. While the night may come to an end, and both teams move on, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Lionel Messi will remain an enduring symbol of football excellence.