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VIDEO: ‘Lionel Messi always knows!’ - How Inter Miami superstar contributed to former Barcelona team-mate Riqui Puig missing penalty for the LA Galaxy

Leagues Cup

Puebla

Inter Miami CF

San Jose Earthquakes

LA Galaxy

There were just 10 minutes on the clock in California when the hosts were given a golden opportunity to get off to a dream start. Former Barcelona star Puig stepped up to the spot, but <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/usmnt-goalkeeper-inter-miami-drake-callender-riqui-puig-penalty-kick-la-galaxy/blte0c090ad849e6c82#csd16795002346aff3" target="_blank">saw his effort from 12 yards beaten away by Drake Callender</a>.

WHAT HAPPENED?

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Messi was caught telling Drake Calendar which way to dive No wonder he gets GOD treatment 😭😭 <a href="https://t.co/yEibgYHYbL">pic.twitter.com/yEibgYHYbL</a>— DAM🇦🇺 (FAN) (@FCBxDAM) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBxDAM/status/1762135707814891762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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WATCH THE CLIP

Another ex-Blaugrana star played a small part in the scores remaining level – with it revealed that Messi, who was stood some 30 yards away, waved Callender in the direction that Puig would strike the ball. The Argentine was proved correct as his one-time team-mate at Camp Nou went to his right.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Messi would go on to make another important contribution for Inter Miami, as he <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/genius-leo-messi-magic-saves-inter-miami-tata-martino-reacts-dramatic-mls-draw-la-galaxy/blt5b39786854d17adc" target="_blank">salvaged a point for them in a 1-1 draw by snatching a dramatic 92nd-minute equaliser</a>. He may have felt a little sorry for Puig afterwards, with the Galaxy playmaker revealing that he is now the proud owner of signed Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba jerseys.<picture><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/bltc77b44b74f39140a/puig.jpg?format=webp" type="image/webp"><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/bltc77b44b74f39140a/puig.jpg?format=jpg" type="image/jpeg"><img src="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/bltc77b44b74f39140a/puig.jpg?format=jpg" alt="Riqui Puig Inter Miami jerseys" data-source="Instagram" data-copyright="Instagram" perform:prop="uuid:bltc77b44b74f39140a;width:457;height:719"></picture>

DID YOU KNOW?

Messi remains the star attraction wherever he goes in the United States, with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/video-living-absolute-dream-kim-kardashian-son-saint-leads-inter-miami-out-lionel-messi-mls-la-galaxy/bltc05b8518924c3996" target="_blank">more A-list guests in attendance</a> during a visit to California, and he will be be back in action on Saturday when Inter Miami take in an MLS derby date with Florida neighbours Orlando City.

WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

VIDEO: ‘Lionel Messi always knows!’ - How Inter Miami superstar contributed to former Barcelona team-mate Riqui Puig missing penalty for the LA Galaxy | Goal.com US

A video shot by a supporter at the LA Galaxy vs Inter Miami game has shown how Lionel Messi contributed to Riqui Puig&apos;s early missed penalty.