‘Like a fever dream’ – Lionel Messi gives MLS rival sleepless nights three months after facing Real Salt Lake with Inter Miami

Argentine icon Messi has been terrorising opposition defences since making his way to the United States in the summer of 2023. He inspired a historic Leagues Cup triumph within weeks of his arrival, and currently has Inter Miami sat at the top of the Eastern Conference.

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The Herons opened the 2024 campaign with a 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake, with Messi assisting both goals, and the Argentine has since registered 10 efforts himself – with a record-setting haul of six goal contributions posted in his last appearance against the New York Red Bulls.

Few have been able to contain Messi, as he continues to set remarkable standards, and Eneli’s head is still spinning after facing the all-time great. The Real Salt Lake full-back has told MLS Season Pass when asked what it was like to line up against the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner: “Like a fever dream honestly. Even looking back at it right now, I still really can’t believe it. It’s almost been two or three months since it happened. I still think about it, you know, when I go to sleep at night. And so it felt surreal, and I’m just glad I had the chance to experience that.”

Messi and Co are heading back out on the road, with a trip to Montreal next on the agenda, and Inter Miami will be looking to their mercurial No.10 for more moments of brilliance. He is already leading MVP talk in 2024 and could add another Golden Boot to his stunning collection of honours.