On the floor, Lionel Messi appeared deeply annoyed. Following a tense 2-2 draw between Inter Miami and Palmeiras on the 2025 FIFA Membership World Cup, the Argentine star was seen storming off the pitch, visibly shaken by the dramatic late collapse. However whereas his exit from the sector hinted at disappointment, it was what occurred subsequent, out of the general public eye, that actually revealed Messi’s character.
Messi had each motive to really feel dissatisfied. After a dominant efficiency for a lot of the match at Exhausting Rock Stadium, Inter Miami surrendered a 2-0 lead within the last minutes.
Tadeo Allende opened the scoring within the sixteenth minute, giving Inter early momentum. Then, Luis Suarez struck within the sixty fifth, placing the MLS facet firmly in management. However the Brazilian facet responded with a late surge: Paulinho pulled one again with 10 minutes to play, and Mauricio accomplished the comeback within the 87th minute, leaving Messi and his teammates shocked.
As the ultimate whistle blew, the Argentine star may very well be seen shaking his head and muttering to himself, strolling straight off the pitch in silence. However regardless of the seen frustration, what got here subsequent behind the scenes was a second of sportsmanship and humility that didn’t go unnoticed.
Tunnel encounter that spoke volumes
In response to Marca, Messi had a shock encounter within the tunnel with former Brazilian worldwide Djalminha, who was on the match as a part of the Brazilian media contingent. The pair, outdated acquaintances from previous footballing circles, shared a quick however significant alternate.
“Leo has given me his shirt. We already knew one another,” Djalminha informed Marca. “I at all times inform him that when he does a nutmeg, he ought to do it ahead, not backwards (laughs). However Leo is an outstanding footballer, I like him.”
Regardless of the draw feeling extra like a defeat, Messi paused to smile, share an embrace, and provide his match-worn shirt to the previous playmaker. Djalminha, clearly touched by the gesture, later shared a photograph of their second on Instagram, with a message that underscored the mutual respect between the 2 footballing greats.
“Completely satisfied birthday @leomessi, it’s your birthday however I received the current!! Thanks for the shirt and for persevering with to present us pleasure together with your soccer! GENIUS,” he wrote.
