Lionel Messi: Reactions as Inter Miami Star Hits Baby with Wayward Free Kick

• Lionel Messi hit a baby with a free kick during their game vs Orlando City
• Messi and fellow star, Luis Suarez, each scored a brace in the 5-0 victory
• The father of the baby was heard 'taking Messi's side' after the incident

Ordinarily, Lionel Messi is one player you would back to score a free kick every time he puts the ball down just outside the penalty area.

His technique of lifting the ball up, bending it over the wall, and applying that curve for it to nestle into the top corner has worked over the years, and it is no surprise he ranks highly in the list of the best free kick takers of all time.

That, coupled up with other aspects of his game, has made him revered as one of the best players to ever step on a football pitch.

AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Star Discloses Secret Behind Nigeria’s Successful Outing at the Tournament

Football

On March 3, the record Ballon d'Or winner was in the mood when his Inter Miami side hosted Orlando City.

Luis Suarez might have scored and assisted twice, but the plaudits, as they often do, fell to Messi, who also shone with a brace of his own - but not in the way you'd expect.

Messi's free kick hits baby

One of Messi's free kick attempts during the game wasn't successful, with his effort hitting a baby seated in the stands.

In the video shared online, the ball went over the wall, but rather than land inside the goal, it flew over and hit the young child.

Understandably, the baby must have been hurt by being hit at full velocity, but the father's reaction has left social media users reeling with laughter.

"Are you okay? Nothing happened to you, my daughter. Messi was just giving it to you," he remarked as captured by Messi Xtra.

Son apologises for bust-up with South Korea team-mate Lee

Football

Reactions to Messi's free kick

@binttboss said:

"That baby should be grateful Messi hit it with the ball. They should take the ball home and cry out of joy."

@JunshinMuku said:

"If I were a baby and got hit by a Messi free-kick, I would be proud."

@Pauly said:

"That baby should feel honoured for getting hit by a Messi free-kick."

Others like @Amelia S. Dali were worried about the baby's safety and why its parents sat it in the front row.

"I was once hit in the chest with a ball in 6th grade and had to go to the hospital to get treatment. A professional soccer player hitting a baby? They should get it checked just in case."

Whether Messi was made aware that his effort had hit the toddler on the stands remains unknown.

Lionel Messi speaks English

Sports Brief has also reported that Lionel Messi surprised Julian Gressel with his English-speaking skills.

Kompany driven by family history as Burnley battle drop

Football

The Inter Miami midfielder disclosed that the Argentine approached him to talk about tactics before a match.

Messi was born in Argentina, a Spanish-speaking country, before moving across to Barcelona at a tender age.