22 February 2024 , 11:37
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David Beckham and Will Smith had front-row seats to watch Inter Miami kickstart their Major League Soccer campaign with a 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake on Wednesday.
Lionel Messi was the star of the show as he produced a Man of the Match performance at the Chase Stadium. The 36-year-old assisted Robert Taylor's opener, before playing a pivotal role in Miami's second as Diego Gomez struck to ensure a winning start to the 2024 season.
Many are tipping Miami to contend for MLS glory after securing the Leagues Cup last term. With Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, they're no doubt going to be ones to watch.
However, speaking after the game, head coach Tata Martino lowered their expectations. When asked about their post-season record, Martino said: "You don't have to jump the gun. It was just one game."
Despite this, Martino was pleased with his side's performance against Real Salt Lake as Messi rediscovered his form. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 14 matches for Miami after joining from Paris Saint-Germain in July.
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He added: "If anybody had been sceptical about what this team can do, I think the first half showed them. I saw [Messi] playing free on the field. And with the same fine touch he always had. He showed some speed too. He has a characteristic that no other player has.
Lionel Messi helped Inter Miami beat Real Salt Lake 2-0 in their MLS opener (Getty Images)"He grabs the ball very far from the rival goal and the feeling he gives is that he will generate something and will end in a goal situation. The play he had alone against two players at the end of the game is a sign that he is good physically and also happy to be on the pitch."
Miami co-owner Beckham flew over to Florida to watch the season-opener and he would have pleased with what he saw from his side. American actor Will Smith was also present and had a front-row seat as the MLS campaign got underway.
Will Smith in attendance during Inter Miami's 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake (Getty Images)Messi and Suarez - who formed a devastating partnership during their time at Barcelona - combined well throughout the game against Real Salt Lake. Both were heavily involved in the second goal and Martino is hoping both players can get up to full speed as soon as possible.
He said: "I had been saying since we got back from Japan two weeks ago that we needed to have more training sessions together for them to rediscover their rhythm. In their case, they know each other well, but it takes time for them to find that connection again that they had in Barcelona."