04 September 2023 , 09:43
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Sporting royalty met Hollywood royalty as Lionel Messi embraced actor Owen Wilson following another win for Inter Miami.
The Argentine legend was celebrating yet another win for the Herons as they dispatched of LAFC with a 3-1 victory. In front of a stadium packed full of A-List superstars, the former Barcelona hero made a fuss of the Loki star leading man as he headed off the pitch.
In a heart-warming moment following the final whistle, the two world-famous stars locked eyes as Messi walked towards a gathering of supporters. Leaning over the advertising hoardings and into the stand, the Miami talisman shook Wilson's hand before hugging him.
The Wedding Crashers funnyman was at the game alongside his children, who were also present as Messi enjoyed an embrace with their dad. Wilson will have been particularly delighted, having expressed his admiration for the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner prior to kick-off.
In one video posted on Twitter, the actor said: "[Lionel] Messi is my favourite player in the world and I was so happy when Argentina won the World Cup. I cannot wait to see Messi in person tonight. I'm like a little kid on Christmas!"
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Speaking before the match to Apple TV, he also expressed his excitement as he also recounted a time when he saw another sporting great in action in the flesh. He added: "I saw Michael Jordan one time and this is like the same thing."
Although the prolific forward drew a blank on the night, he still chipped in with two sublime assists to ensure his team took home three points. His first came for his ex-Camp Nou teammate Jordi Alba, before he turned provider once more to give Leonardo Campana a tap-in.
Owen Wilson looked excited to be meeting his football idol Lionel Messi at the Inter Miami match (MLS/ Apple TV/ Twitter)In all, there is no doubting that the celebrities present at BMO Stadium got their money's worth on the night in California. Alongside the Grand Budapest Hotel actor, stars including Leonardo DiCaprio, Selena Gomez and Prince Harry also made the trip to LAFC's home ground.
The victory represented a major moment in the Herons' league season as they look to pull off a miraculous surge for a playoffs slot. The Floridan side were rooted to the bottom of the Eastern Conference but sit eight points off the final qualifying spot during the regular season run-in.
With a trophy already under his belt in the form of the Leagues Cup, Messi's introduction to the team has helped to transform their form. They have two games in hand on D.C. United, who occupy the last playoffs place, with nine games still to play in the regular season.