Lionel Messi Takes Photos With Fans As Wife Antonela Roccuzzo Drives Inter Miami Star: Video

• Lionel Messi delighted fans with a heartwarming gesture
• The Argentine maestro is currently recuperating from an injury
• In his absence, Inter Miami stumbled to another defeat

Following Inter Miami's unexpected defeat to Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final first leg, a video of Lionel Messi sharing a touching moment with fans has surfaced online.

The absence of the Argentine maestro was notable as Inter Miami succumbed to a 2-1 loss at Chase Stadium, despite initially taking the lead.

Inter Miami's woes without Messi

This defeat underscores Miami's heavy reliance on Messi. It marks their seventh overall loss in 12 matches without the 2022 World Cup winner's presence, as noted by GOAL.

Messi has been sidelined due to a persistent injury, and he has not participated in competitive matches since scoring in the Herons' 3-1 triumph over Nashville SC in mid-March during the round-of-16 tie in the Champions Cup.

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The uncertainty surrounding the former Barcelona captain's return is a cause for concern for the South Florida franchise, with head coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino unable to provide a definitive timeline for his comeback.

"Well, as we mentioned, things are improving day by day. Playing him today was risky, as he is not completely ready, and this will be the case against Colorado and, the next Monterrey match,” Tata said as quoted by USA Today.

Messi shares touching moment with fans

Despite his absence from the team, the 36-year-old continues to delight fans, as evidenced by a heartwarming moment captured on video.

In a clip circulating on social media, sighted by Sports Brief, a black SUV stops as fans approach it, apparently driven by Messi's wife, Antonela Roccuzzo.

This impromptu stop allowed the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner to spend time with fans, posing for photos after rolling down his window.

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Messi's son Thiago scores in cup triumph

Meanwhile, as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez near the end of their football careers, their sons could carry the legacy they leave behind.

During the Easter festivities in Florida, Thiago Messi and Benjamin Suarez teamed up to secure a trophy for Inter Miami.

As reported by Sports Brief, Thiago impressed with a goal in the Easter International Cup organised by Rayados de Monterrey Cup.

His goal, reminiscent of his father's famous strike against Manuel Neuer in the Champions League, saw him chip the ball over the goalkeeper after evading a defender.