Lionel Messi vs. Charlotte: Wonder goal, Iron Man, 'saves kid' and referee row

Feargal Brennan

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Lionel Messi vs. Charlotte: Wonder goal, Iron Man, 'saves kid' and referee row image

Lionel Messi created more headlines as the Inter Miami captain smashed home a superb equaliser in their 1-1 MLS draw with Charlotte.

Messi has hit the ground running following his return to MLS action after picking up an ankle injury in Argentina's Copa America final win back in July.

The veteran forward scored twice in his first game back, in a 3-1 victory over Philadelphia Union earlier this month, and he produced a moment of magic at home to Charlotte on Saturday night.

MORE: All the latest soccer action | Lionel Messi news

His long-range rocket on 66 minutes secured a point for Tata Martino's team which keeps them clear at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference as the regular campaign winds towards its conclusion.

However, his goal was just one storyline from more Messi-mania in Florida, as the 37-year-old broke another record and caused a social media sensation.

Another Messi goal record

Messi's goal brings his MLS tally up to 15 league goals for the 2024 season as he chases the MLS Golden Boot award in the final weeks of the season.

However, a bullet from outside the box created another milestone for Messi, as it ranked as his 96 career goal scored outside of the penalty area - a new record for his bulging collection.

Messi's Marvel celebration and kid rescue

As Messi dashed away to celebrate his equaliser against Charlotte, fans will have spotted a new feature of his goal celebration, with another nod to Marvel.

Messi placed his hands by his side with his palms down before raising his heels for lift-off in an impression of Iron Man. 

The Argentinian looked up at his kids in the stands as he performed his latest Marvel celebration as part of long-running joke with his sons.

Messi told a summer interview with the Miami Herald he is hooked on Marvel films, after watching them with his sons, with previous goals celebrated by tributes to Thor's Hammer, Black Panther and Spiderman.

Alongside his on-pitch brilliance, Messi was also involved in a brilliant moment with a young pitch invader at full time, as an eager fan dashed towards him.

Messi had time for a quick selfie with the Inter Miami fan before jokingly ushering him off the pitch as security approached.

Messi rages at referee 

Despite positivity over his performance, Messi was also involved in an unsavoury incident after the final whistle was blown, as he raged at the officials.

Inter Miami were frustrated in the closing stages, as they pushed for a winning goal, with two penalty calls rejected. Messi was angered by the calls after the game and his protests earned him a yellow card in the post-game row.

Reports from Argentinian outlet Ole claim Messi swore at two officials, but that has not been confirmed, and Messi could face a misconduct charge if he is reported over the incident.

Feargal Brennan

Feargal Brennan Photo

Feargal is a content producer for The Sporting News. He has been working with TSN since the start of 2022 after stints with Reach, Amazon UK and Squawka in a nomadic career in the football media pyramid. Always with a keen eye on Arteta's 'Reds' and Kenny's Ireland 'Greens' and a 100% five-a-side penalty record.