VIDEO: Lionel Messi nearly scores outrageous free-kick for Inter Miami! Argentine's long-range strike cleared off the line in opening win over Real Salt Lake

Messi stepped up to take an ambitious free-kick from all of 30 yards early on in Inter Miami's opening game of the MLS season. The former Barcelona and PSG man whipped a brilliant effort towards the top corner with his left foot, only to see Real Salt Lake's Justen Glad positioned perfectly on the goal-line. The defender helped out his frozen goalkeeper, heading the ball off the line to keep the score level at 0-0. Glad's clearance denied Messi his first goal of the season, but Miami would still go on to pick up all three points.

The Argentine has been known for trademark direct free-kicks his entire career. In fact, on his Herons debut in July, 2023, the maestro drilled home a brilliant shot from a dead ball to win it in stoppage time for Inter Miami.

Despite Messi being denied this time, Tata Martino's side would go on to win their MLS opener 2-0 thanks to goals either side of half-time from Robert Taylor and Diego Gomez.

Messi and the Herons will look to make it two wins from two when they take on the Los Angeles Galaxy Sunday evening in their second game of the MLS season. The Argentine will be hoping to grab his first goal of the campaign in California, having played a key role in both of Miami's strikes against Real Salt Lake.