WATCH: Lionel Messi’s Perfect Response To Nashville FC Fans Chanting ‘Ronaldo’ Mid-Game

Lionel Messi had the perfect response to fans chanting Cristiano Ronaldo’s name in a match between Inter Miami and Nashville FC.

The Argentine football maestro recently guided Miami to the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup having disposed of Nashville 5-3 on aggregate in the Round of 16. In the second leg of their tie, Messi was hurled at with several Ronaldo chants by Nashville fans to catch the Argentine off-guard.

However, La Pulga remained unbothered and scored a beautiful goal off a dribble seconds later. The video of the entire sequence was uploaded by ESPN FC on Instagram. The post read, “Nashville fans were chanting ‘Ronaldo’ at Lionel Messi and then he did this”.

The first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 tie between Inter Miami and Nashville FC was played on March 8. The clash was hosted at the GEODIS Park. The game began with an early shock for Miami as Nashville found the back of the net in only the fourth minute. The second half also saw Nashville find another netting to lead Miami by two. However, Lionel Messi brought one back for his side by converting a Luis Suarez assist in the 52nd minute. The Uruguay forward was able to rescue a draw for Miami by scoring one of his own in the dying stages of regulation.

This brings us to the match that took place yesterday, March 14, between Inter Miami and Nashville FC in the second leg. The match was hosted at the Chase Stadium and saw Miami find early success. Luis Suarez scored the opening goal off an assist from Lionel Messi in only the eighth minute. Messi later added Miami’s second in the 23rd minute. In the second half, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was substituted for Ross Taylor in minute 50. The decision worked out well for Miami as Taylor sealed a third for his side off a Suarez pass. The final whistle saw the match finish 3-1 in favour of Miami. Nashville’s only netting on the night came in the 93rd minute from Sam Surridge.

Post-game, it was confirmed by Inter Miami coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino that Messi was taken out of play due to a mild leg injury. The substitution was made as a precautionary measure to prevent the injury from worsening. Off their crucial victory against Nashville FC, Miami are now set to face the winners of either Monterrey or FC Cincinnati in the last eight of the CONCACAF Champions Cup 2024.