Lionel Messi Makes Wayne Rooney Eat His Words After Flying Start to His MLS Career With Inter Miami

• Wayne Rooney issued a warning to Lionel Messi before his arrival in the United States
• The former Manchester United star said Messi "won’t find it easy" in the MLS
• Messi started his Inter Miami career with a bang, scoring three goals in his first two games

What did you say again, Wayne Rooney?

The former England international’s warning to Messi about Major League Soccer is coming to light again after the Argentine star scored a brace in Tuesday’s game against Atlanta United.

Rooney had warned Messi prior to his first game for Inter Miami that he would find MLS difficult.

Rooney's MLS history

Rooney knows a thing or two about MLS, as he once played and now coaches in that league.

He signed a deal with D.C. United in June 2018 and played for the club until October 2019.

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He returned to D.C. United on July 12, 2022, this time as a coach, with Rooney replacing outgoing manager Hernan Losada.

Rooney spoke about Messi’s move to MLS in an interview with The Times, saying:

“He won’t find it easy here. It sounds mad, but players who come in find it’s a tough league.”

Messi off to a flyer

Messi is a cut above the rest though. He made Rooney eat his words with a flying start to his MLS career.

He introduced himself to American fans with a spectacular last-minute free kick goal on his debut last Friday, which gave Inter Miami a dramatic 2-1 victory over Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.

He was excellent once again on Tuesday in the game against Atlanta United, playing a part in three of Inter Miami’s goals in their 4-0 win.

He scored the opening goal in the eighth minute, taking full advantage of Sergio Busquets’ wonderful through ball.

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Messi’s first attempt hit the post, but the ball went straight back to him. He tapped in the rebound with his right foot to give Inter Miami the lead, per ESPN.

He doubled that advantage in the 22nd minute after a beautiful link-up play with Robert Taylor.

Messi laid off a pass to Taylor as the latter made his run toward the box. He then delivered a great cross, which Messi dispatched with his right foot for his second goal of the night.

Messi returned the favor to Taylor in the second half, creating the latter’s goal in the 53rd minute that gave Inter Miami a commanding 4-0 lead.

Messi consoles DJ Khaled's son

Sports Brief also reported on Messi consoling DJ Khaled's son before Tuesday’s match against Atlanta United.

The child cried as he stood in front of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Messi made sure the young boy was OK, checking in on him as DJ Khaled watched on the sidelines.