Lionel Messi Recreates Viral World Cup Stare Before Free Kick
Lionel Messi successfully recreated a viral 'stare' expression before scoring a free-kick goal for Inter Miami against the Columbus Crew. Despite the highlight-reel goal, Miami ultimately lost the match 2-1.
Why it matters
The intersection of sports performance and viral social media moments highlights how modern athletes manage their public persona.
Lionel Messi has scored his share of ridiculous free kicks, but his latest for Inter Miami came with a familiar warning.
With Miami trailing the Columbus Crew, Messi stood over a free kick near the right side of the goal at an extremely tight angle. Before taking it, the 39-year-old flashed the same raised-eyebrow, pursed-lip stare that went viral during his confrontation with Jude Bellingham in Argentina's World Cup semifinal win over England .
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