Messi watched on from the stands following his injury against Toronto FC as Inter Miami suffered a crushing 2-1 defeat to Houston Dynamo on Thursday.
Houston Dynamo’s Griffin Dorsey opened the scoring in the 24th minute, with Amine Bassi doubling his side’s lead nine minutes later.
Josef Martinez bagged a late consolation as Inter Miami failed to secure another trophy following their Leagues Cup triumph.
Despite the final loss, Inter Miami fans spotted what Messi did during the showdown and couldn’t get enough of it.
He cut an animated figure as Martinez missed a chance, getting into the game and showing his passion for the club.
Messi joined the Florida-based outfit from Paris Saint-Germain during the summer and is clearly invested in the team’s project.
Inter Miami manager Gerardo Martino said the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner returning to full fitness was the club’s top priority.
“It was not prudent for him to play,” he said after the result. “We couldn’t even consider playing him for a few minutes because we would be taking risks.”
He also said the Argentine will “certainly play before the league is over”.
Inter Miami return to action on Sunday when they host New York City, with their season ending on October 21.
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