Will Smith had a front-row seat to Lionel Messi’s MLS season opener on Wednesday night.
Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain produced a standout Man of the Match performance as Inter Miami claimed a 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake at the newly renovated Chase Stadium.
Smith was there and got me the ‘GOAT’ Credit: Instagram@willsmith
Miami co-owner David Beckham flew to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to watch the season opener with his A-list celebrity friend.
The Prince of New York himself was present and was able to witness Messi’s magic in person.
Beckham and Smith are long-time friends and partied together in 2007 when the former Manchester United star and his family moved to Los Angeles after he signed for the Galaxy.
The Oscar-winning actor appeared to enjoy Wednesday’s game, taking to Instagram to congratulate Leo on the win and thank Becks for organizing his on-field experience.
“This was CRAZY!!,” Smith posted alongside photos with Messi and the former England captain.
“Congratulations on the victory @leomessi . Thank you @davidbeckham!”
Smith and the Barcelona legend also shared an emotional moment at half-time when the Herons led 1-0.
The pair embraced as Messi headed to the locker room at half-time. Credit: X@RoyNemer
Smith posted a picture of the couple on his social media. Credit: Instagram@willsmith
Smith thanked his friend and Miami co-owner David Beckham for organizing it. Credit: Instagram@willsmith
As Messi, who had earlier revealed his pre-match music playlist, headed down the tunnel towards the locker room, he stopped to shake hands with the Bad Boys star and the pair shared a hug.
Goals, assists and countless trophies: Lionel Messi’s most incredible numbers!
The diminutive icon assisted Robert Taylor on the opening goal before playing a pivotal role in Diego Gomez’s second Miami goal.
He combined with Luis Suárez, who in turn found Gómez to put the ball into the corner.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also saw his free-kick cleared off the line and hit the bar directly from a corner as Inter Miami kicked off the new campaign with a win.
Miami coach Gerardo Martino praised Messi after the match, saying: “I saw him very loose, very fine, with a lot of speed.
“There is something about him that doesn’t happen with other players.
“He can take the ball even far from the goal and you get the feeling that the play will become a goal-scoring opportunity.”
Messi and company won their first League Cup last season.
However, the mostly Barcelona squad of Messi, Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets will be looking to go one better this time around and win the MLS Cup for the first time in the club’s short history.
