Lionel Messi recreated Steph Curry's iconic 'night night' celebration after leading Inter Maimi to a 3-1 win over Philadelphia Union on Saturday, September 14. Messi, who had been sidelined for the past two months with an ankle injury, stole the headlines upon his return to action.
The gifted Argentine had not played for club and country since sustaining a knee injury in the Copa America final against Colombia. He marked his return with a Man of the Match performance as Inter Miami welcomed Philadelphia Union to the Chase Stadium.
Messi bagged a brace and an assist as Inter Miami continued their dominance in the Eastern Conference of the Major Soccer League (MLS). The visitors took the lead just two minutes into the game, but Messi restored parity for his side in the 26th minute after Luis Suarez set him up.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner then sent his side ahead in the game four minutes later with Jordi Alba providing the assist this time. After netting his second of the night, Messi then celebrated by recreating Steph Curry's 'night night' celebration.
The 37-year-old clasped his hands together and made a sleeping gesture like the Golden State Warrior star does after hitting his trademark three-pointer to seal a win on the court.
Lionel Messi then wrapped up the night with an assist for Suarez (90+8') to seal a resounding victory for the Herons. The encounter was all about the three ex-Barcelona players combining for an emphatic win for Gerardo Martino's side.
"I really wanted to come back" - Lionel Messi after propelling Inter Miami to victory on injury return
Lionel Messi revealed that he was eager to return to action after being sidelined for over two months. The Argentina captain had not played since injuring his ankle in his country's Copa America final victory over Colombia in July.
However, he stole the headlines upon his return to action, playing 90 minutes and registering two goals and an assist. After the match, the Inter Miami skipper said he 'really wanted' to return to the field and is 'very happy' to be back. He said (via BBC):
"I really wanted to come back, I had been off of the field for a long time."
"Little by little I was training with the group, feeling good and that's why we decided that I would start, and I'm very happy," he added.
Lionel Messi has now scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 15 games this term. Inter Miami are comfortably atop the MLS Eastern Conference table with 62 points from 28 games played.
