Messi's arrival in MLS has been huge for the league, but there are definitely funny moments as well.
Much like David Beckham before him, Lionel Messi's arrival has elevated Major League Soccer to new heights.
From boosting interest in the league’s groundbreaking Apple TV deal in its inaugural year to raising Inter Miami’s valuation by more than 74 percent, Messi's influence is undeniable.
Yet, adjusting to a new league always comes with its own quirks – especially in one still growing, compared to the more established leagues in which he's played. Add to that the unique experience of being a celebrity in the United States, which, despite Messi's global stardom, brings its own set of surprises that differ from life in Europe and South America.
READ MORE: Alternate MLS Awards: Most 'MLS' Moment
In Part 4 of GOAL’s Alternate MLS Awards, we spotlight some of the most amusing moments in 2024 that Messi encountered in North America's top flight.
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowTom Hindle: Mahomes meets Messi, awkwardness ensues
To be fair, what can you actually say to the GOAT, right before he takes the pitch? "Good luck?" "All the best?" "I believe in you?"
Well, the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl-winning quarterback Patrick Mahomes went with perhaps the funniest option possible, dapping Messi up before offering him some proper advice: "Have fun out there."
It was perfectly American, awkward as hell, and hilarious, all wrapped into one. Mahomes may be an NFL great, but his ability to inspire a soccer legend is certainly lacking. Top marks for trying, though .
AdvertisementJacob Schneider: THAT RSL moment
Messi was taking on Real Salt Lake in Inter Miami's season opener and Andrew Brody went down on the edge of their box in his way.
Instead of dribbling around him or calling for a stoppage or even passing it, he lifted the ball over him (mind you, this guy is on the ground) and continued playing trying to get a shot off.
That's a ridiculous mentality, and likely only something he would do. Insane.
Ryan Tolmich: Messi doing whatever the hell he wants because he's HIM
The best Messi moments of the season were the ones in which the Argentine remembered that he could do whatever the hell he wanted. The dribble over RSL's Andrew Brody, the six-goal outburst against the New York Red Bulls – these were Messi at his best on the pitch.
Messi also realized that he could also generally do whatever the hell he wanted off the field as well. This summer, Messi announced his new hydration drink, Mas by Messi, which promptly entered a legal battle with Logan Paul and KSI's PRIME.
During Inter Miami's Supporters' Shield celebration, Messi was photographed with the drink in hand while holding the trophy, which definitely wouldn't have pleased MLS sponsors BodyArmor and Celsius. But, hey, it's Messi – if anyone can get away with it, it's him, right?
Alex Labidou: Messi going at referees, taking selfies with fans
Even Messi's superhuman skills on the pitch and magnetic charm off it don’t always get him what he wants. On a rainy night in Charlotte on Sept. 28, that frustration boiled over, leaving the Argentine visibly enraged.
It was a rare display of anger from Messi, reminiscent of his fiery World Cup encounters with the Netherlands. The referee, in that moment, had to summon all his resolve not to send off the league’s biggest star.
On the flip side, Messi showed incredible patience with young fans eager for an on-pitch selfie, though his reactions to older fans seeking the same attention are hilariously less forgiving.