A father’s reaction to his daughter being struck by a Lionel Messi free-kick has gone viral on social media.
The incident took place during Inter Miami’s clash with state rivals Orlando City in an MLS fixture at DRV PNK Stadium earlier this season.
Messi lined up to take a free-kick, however, his effort missed the target, sailing over the crossbar and into the stands behind the goal.
The Argentine’s wayward effort struck a two-year old girl in the crowd but rather than check on her welfare, the toddler’s father displayed an unexpected reaction.
A clip of the incident shows what appears to be family members standing next to the girl with the ball nearby before her father says: “It’s okay my love, Messi hit you, baby… Messi, it’s fine, nothing happened!”
It was a perfect evening all round for the father who not only saw his daughter achieve a bizarre claim to fame but also watched on as his beloved Inter Miami registered a 5-0 win.
Messi twice found the target that night with Luis Suarez also adding a double in a comfortable home victory.
The victory set Inter Miami on their way to a memorable campaign as they topped the standings for the first time to lift the Supporters Shield and book their place in the MLS playoffs.
But it did not go to plan for Messi and co, who were firm favourites to lift the MLS Cup next month.
The Florida-based club were dumped out of the playoffs at the first hurdle after a 2-1 best of three series defeat to Atlanta United last weekend.
It was certainly not in the script for a buoyant Messi who led Miami to their first ever trophy in last year’s Leagues Cup.
Messi, who recently became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer with 34 goals, was also coming off the back of Copa America success with Argentina in the summer and expected to land MLS’ biggest prize.
Messi’s free-kick sailed over bar during the clash with Orlando City[/caption]
The toddler was struck by the ball which was seen stuck beside her seat[/caption]
Family members checked in on her whilst her father basked in the glory of it all[/caption]
Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Atlanta saw a disappointed Messi take to Instagram to thank the supporters for their part in this season’s success.
He wrote: “A season ended in which we continued to grow as a club and, although we achieved some goals, we wanted more. Thanks to all the people who joined and supported us. Now let’s get ready to come back stronger next year.”
Messi posted a stellar season for the Herons with 23 goals and 13 assists from 25 games, despite missing a chunk of the season due to Copa America duty and an injury lay-off.
The 37-year-old signs off the calendar year with a double header for Argentina during the international break.
The reigning world champions face Paraguay and Peru in 2026 World Cup qualifying with Argentina currently top of the table and three points ahead of second-placed Colombia.
Messi will then return to action in February as he gears up for the start of his third MLS season.
