On Saturday night, Lionel Messi’s equalizing goal was celebrated with a Marvel Universe celebration that quickly went viral.
After scoring in the 67th minute of Inter Miami’s 1-1 draw against Charlotte FC, Messi put his hands at his sides, palms down and began to lift his heels — lifting off like Iron Man. It’s for a reason.
The celebrations, inspired by Marvel characters, began a year ago during Messi’s first season at Inter Miami and continued on Saturday. He made the Iron Man gesture and turned to the kids in the stands at Chase Stadium.
Messi has once celebrated a goal by reaching out. thor’s hammerCross your arms over your chest like this. black panther and fires a web like spiderman.
Messi told the Miami Herald last August that the celebrations began shortly after he arrived at Inter Miami, after watching a Marvel movie with his sons before starting school.
“My three sons are still on vacation and school hasn’t started yet, so we watch Marvel superhero movies every night. They came up with the idea and every time I score a goal in a game, , and asked us to do a celebration of Marvel superheroes. That’s how it started, and we continued with that ritual,” Messi said. โEvery time I watch a new film, I practice celebrating goals. But I only do it at home games, when my kids are around and I can share the moment. When I see them in the stands, I do.โ
Messi and Inter Miami will face reigning champion Columbus Crew on Wednesday in what could be the biggest game of the MLS season.
With a win, Inter Miami could earn the MLS Supporters’ Shield, the title given to the team with the best regular season record. This is Messi’s second title with Inter Miami after winning the League Cup 2023.