Lionel Messi’s first 2025 preseason performance for Inter Miami against Club América in Las Vegas quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the match—not just for his goal, but for a viral celebration that sent a clear message to the fans in the stands. Like we’ve never seen him before.

Watch: Messi goal vs. Club América

In the 34th minute of the friendly held at Allegiant Stadium, Messi scored the equalizer for Inter Miami with a perfectly placed header, leveling the score at 1-1. Easiest goal of his career.

Brazilian forward Neymar said reuniting with his former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami is an interesting prospect and did not rule out a move to the United States as his Al-Hilal contract winds down.

Once one of football's most feared forwards, Neymar struck up a lethal partnership with Messi and Suarez to lead Barcelona to a historic treble before his record-breaking $230.39 million move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.

Neymar Inter Miami rumors

"No Messi, No Party" — Joe Biden, probably.

Yes, you read that headline correctly. United States President Joe Biden will give the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor, to Inter Miami star Lionel Messi on Saturday.

Messi is one of 19 people receiving the honor from Biden including basketball star Magic Johnson, Bill Nye the Science guy, actor Denzel Washington and Hillary Clinton.

Messi isn’t the first soccer player to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Biden bestowed the award to United States women’s national team star and human rights activist Megan Rapinoe in 2022.

Premier League champions Manchester City were drawn on Thursday with Juventus, Wydad AC and Al Ain in Group G for next year's FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

Lionel Messi and Major League Soccer's Inter Miami are in Group A and will face Al Ahly in the opening match of the expanded 32-team tournament before games against Porto and Palmeiras.

2025 Club World Cup groups