WATCH: Lionel Messi does Iron Man celebration after scoring for Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC
Lionel Messi brought forth a new celebration, imitating Iron Man, after finding the back of the net for Inter Miami against Charlotte FC. The Argentine great scored his 15th goal of the MLS campaign to help his side pick up a point at home.
Messi moved to the MLS last summer and has enjoyed himself since arriving in the USA with his family. His first few months saw him inspire his new club to glory in the Leagues Cup, and he launched a new series of goal celebrations. In home games, he celebrated goals by imitating Marvel superheroes, explaining afterwards that he did this upon the request of his sons.
Lionel Messi found the net with a brilliantly struck shot in the 67th minute of the encounter against Charlotte FC, drawing his side level in the game. He celebrated by doing his best Iron Man impression before pointing at his children, who were seated in the stands.
Lionel Messi also produced imitations of Thor, Spiderman and Black Panther in his first season. The diminutive forward revealed that he performs these celebrations only in home games where his children are present.
Messi's goal in the encounter took his tally to three in four games since making his return from his injury layoff earlier this month. The 37-year-old continues to work his way back to full fitness after missing nearly two months of action through an ankle problem.
Tata Martino rues missed opportunity despite Lionel Messi strike in Charlotte draw
Inter Miami manager Tata Martino rued his side's inability to take advantage of their rivals' slip-up in their 1-1 draw against Charlotte FC. The Herons had to rely on a second-half equalizer from captain Lionel Messi to extend their unbeaten run to eight games.
Martino spoke with the club's media about the draw on home turf, pointing out that his side missed too many opportunities. He did, however, say that his side felt no regrets and that they will continue to strive to achieve their goals.
"The search was always ours, and the truth is we missed too many goals. We got very little in return for what we did. The story continues, there are fewer games left. It's a shame we couldn't take advantage of Columbus Crew's draw in Washington, but we have no regrets."
Inter Miami generated 2.84 xG in the game, attempting 21 shots, of which eight were on target. They created and missed four big chances, with Luis Suarez missing two of them, including one right at the death.
Columbus Crew, the second-placed team in the Eastern Conference, played out a 2-2 draw against DC United, but Inter Miami failed to take advantage. Both sides will lock horns in the MLS on Thursday in Columbus.