'Cold blooded GOAT!' - Lionel Messi stuns fans with audacious chip over injured player before going for goal in Inter Miami win

Messi and Inter Miami kicked off their new MLS season with a 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake. The Argentina international picked up an assist in the victory but also gave fans plenty to talk about when he chipped the ball over an injured opponent and then went for goal.

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Football fan @Galaxysseus couldn't believe what Messi was up to, posting on X: "Lmfao. Cold. Blooded. GOAT."

"Lionel Messi, there. Taking the absolute p*ss. Again. No man’s safe. Pulled a hammy? ACL? Tight groin? Lionel isn’t arsed. Ya getting rinsed," was the verdict from @trekuartista9.

Meanwhile, @david_b712 was also left amazed by the World Cup winner: "I mean come on this is just insane. Guy is down injured and #Messi𓃵 just bounces it right over him like it’s no big deal 🤣"

Elsewhere, there was some sympathy for Messi's latest victim from @megan_feringa: "Imagine being the guy on the ground having to reconcile with the fact Messi looks at you and sees nothing more than a human training cone, the mental spiral would be tragic."

The Inter Miami superstar's intelligence was also praised by @Vicktour_Oh: "Only Messi would Chip over an injuried player just to get his shot off INTELLIGENCE 99%."

Messi's Miami team-mate Robert Taylor also expressed his amazement afterwards. He told reporter Franco Panizo: "The was insane. I couldn't believe he did that."

Messi certainly looked in great shape as Inter Miami forget all about their pre-season tour troubles and started the new campaign with a good win. Manager Tata Martino admitted after the game Messi was "playing free" but refused to get carried away about his team's chances this season.

Inter Miami now head off for their first away game of the season. The Herons take on LA Galaxy next on Sunday.