Lionel Messi Receives GOAT Praise After Insane Goal and ‘Delicious’ Assist for Inter Miami

• Lionel Messi received high praise for his excellent performance
• He delivered an assist and a goal from the top drawer for Inter Miami
• The 36-year-old would hope for more against Nashville on April 20

Lionel Messi received endless praise on the back of his outstanding strike, which spurred Inter Miami to a thrilling 3-2 victory against Sporting Kansas.

Heading into the match, the morale was low after their embarrassing exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup midweek, where CF Monterrey sent the Herons home from Mexico with their head down.

For context, the Florida-based outfit had been winless in five straight games and, frankly, seemed a bit lost in direction.

Messi puts on a show for Miami

But up stepped their talisman, Messi, who grabbed the bull by the horns to ensure Miami returned to winning ways after a dismal run.

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The former Barcelona and PSG superstar bagged an outrageous assist and a stupendous goal in an important victory in the Major League Soccer (MLS), according to the Miami Herald.

While the Herons ended up with all three points, they had to do it the hard way when German midfielder Erik Thommy drew first blood for the home side.

But then the 36-year-old took matters into his own hands, first delivering sumptuous assists for Diego Gomez in the 18th minute before unleashing a piledriver to turn the tide in his side's favour.

His former teammate at Barca, Luis Suarez, made sure Gerardo Martino's men returned to Miami with maximum points for the first time since March 16, Sportstar reports.

Fans heap 'GOAT' praise on Messi

After the game, fans took to social media to praise the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, with many singing the GOAT chorus for the umpteenth time.

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@StokeyyG2 wrote:

"The GOAT doing GOAT thing."

An ardent fan of Leo Messi, @LeoMessiCF10, added:

"In front of 72210 people. strike,"

@Th3Better1 was in awe of the Argentine's golazo:

"WHAT A GOAL FROM THE GOAT LIONEL MESSI."

@Goat10M30 commented:

"Kansas City showed up to watch the Goat, and HE DID NOT DISAPPOINT dissap what a stinky Goal, Leo Messi!

@iamhbozz predicted:

"MLS best player at the end of the season, be there."

Messi shares perspective on GOAT debate

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Lionel Messi sharing his perspective on the perennial debate over who is the GOAT, a discussion often centred around him and his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 36-year-old, who was honoured with his second Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award in Paris last year, addressed the topic, emphasising that his primary focus is not to claim the GOAT title.

Despite this, Messi acknowledged the recognition his remarkable achievements in football have garnered over the years.