Lionel Messi celebrated Inter Miami's equalizer by taunting Club America and Mexico fans for their lack of World Cup success.

Lionel Messi scored a goal and made his presence known throughout the first half as Inter Miami beat Mexican superpower Club America 3-2 on penalty kicks after the teams played to a 2-2 deadlock in regulation on Saturday night.

The match against America is the first of five preseason dates for Inter Miami on its “Americas Tour”. The team will play games in Peru, Panama and Honduras over the next few weeks and end the tour in Tampa against Orlando City on Valentine’s Day.

If Messi needed a stage to prove his connection with former teammates still worked, he found it. At the 34th minute, Jordi Alba delivered a pinpoint cross to Luis Suárez, who showed his class with a perfect assist for Messi.

Lionel Messi has shown top form with Inter Miami in 2025, scoring against Club America. However, a heated exchange with fans sparked criticism from former players and supporters. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano addressed the incident,

Lionel Messi is sporting a new haircut this preseason, but otherwise, looked very much like the dangerous reigning MLS MVP as he scored the first Inter Miami goal of 2025 and played 66 minutes in a win against Mexican champion Club America in Las Vegas late Saturday night.