In the MLS faceoff against Charlotte FC on Saturday, Lionel Messi scored the equalizer to hold an inept Inter Miami to a 1-1 draw at home. Miami, who is already guaranteed a spot in the playoffs, is still leading the Eastern Conference and the Supporters Shield regular season standings despite the setback of their third straight draw. But the highlight was La Pulga’s Iron Man celebration, in front of the Miami fandom who love him 3000!

Under the direction of former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith, Charlotte took the lead in the 57th minute when Brandt Bronico’s low strike past Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender after deflecting off Karol Świderski. However, Messi scored in the 67th minute of Inter Miami’s 1-1 tie with Charlotte FC. He then lifted his heels, exactly like Iron Man, and put his hands by his sides, palms down.

The celebrations, which drew inspiration from Marvel heroes, started last year during Messi’s rookie year with Inter Miami and carried on Saturday. He made the Iron Man motion, looking toward his children in the Chase Stadium stands that quickly went viral.

In the past also, Messi has celebrated goals by flinging his arms over his chest like the Black Panther, grabbing Thor’s hammer, and releasing webs like Spider-Man. Messi told the Miami Herald in August 2023 that celebrations started soon after he arrived at Inter Miami and watched Marvel films with his boys before their start of school.

“My three sons are still on vacation, have not started school yet, so every night we watch Marvel superhero movies. They came up with the idea and asked that whenever I have a game and score a goal, I do a Marvel superhero celebration. That’s how it started, and we continued that ritual,” Messi said. “Each time we watched a new movie, we would practice a goal celebration. But I only do them for home games, when the kids are here, near me, so we can share those moments. When I see them in the stands, that is when I do them.” Such an Aww moment!

Meanwhile, WC qualifiers are coming and Messi’s La Albiceleste is set to miss a key member.

Lionel Messi loses a key Argentina teammate for the October 2026 World Cup qualifiers

While Argentina celebrated that Lionel Messi would be fit enough to play for his country in October’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers, they recently found out they would be missing a key member of the squad. FIFA has punished Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez, the outstanding goalkeeper for Argentina, thus he will miss the next several important games.

Martinez will not be playing in Argentina’s qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia due to a two-game FIFA suspension, as reported by writer Gaston Edul, a member of the national squad of Argentina. Martínez’s inappropriate actions with the Copa America trophy during Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Chile and his pushing of a cameraman following their 2-1 loss to Colombia are the reasons for his ban.

But as for now, with three games left in the regular season, Miami leads the league with 65 points. Champions Cincinnati has 56, and Columbus Crew has 57. On Wednesday, Miami can secure the Supporters’ Shield by defeating Columbus or drawing there. Are you guys enjoying Messi’s Marvel moves?