Argentina skipper Lionel Messi debuted a new celebration that was dedicated to club president David Beckham after scoring the first of his two goals in an emphatic 4-0 win over fellow Major League Soccer side Atlanta United.
Messi sported the captain’s armband once more, this time in his first start for the Herons, as he recorded two goals and an assist for Robert Taylor in the Leagues Cup, with the pair currently the joint top-scorers in the competition having netted three goals in two games.
The Argentine forward, who also scored on his Inter Miami debut against Cruz Azul in the same competition, added a ‘hold my beer’ gesture directed at Beckham after sharing hugs with his teammates on the pitch and pointing to the sky.
Part of the commentary that followed on Twitter and Reddit once footage of the gesture emerged likened it to Anakin Skywalker or Darth Vader using the Force.
Actor James Earl Jones enjoys iconic status as the voice of Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy, a pop-culture phenomenon created by George Lucas.
In truth, it was a respectful shout-out to the former England captain, who was all smiles, from another legend of the game in the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Beckham essayed an important role in getting the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner to move to the United States at this stage in his career, ignoring offers from former club Barcelona and Saudi Arabia in the process.
Tata Martino’s side are through to the knock-out stage of the Leagues Cup but have a mountain to climb in the current edition of the MLS, winless in their last eleven games in that competition.
The Herons are presently situated at the foot of the table in the Eastern Conference, 12 points behind D. C. United, who occupy the last MLS Cup play-off place on offer.
After his exchange with good friend and compatriot Sergio Aguero was made public, it is clear Messi is a man on a mission to bring major honors to Inter Miami’s trophy cabinet during his stint in Florida.
Currently the most decorated player in football history ahead of former club-mate Dani Alves, he will hope to work miracles in Vice City colors in what is left of this campaign.
