Lionel Messi took charge at Arrowhead Stadium opposite Patrick Mahomes as Inter Miami claimed a dramatic victory over Sporting Kansas City on Saturday night.
With Chiefs quarterback Mahomes watching from the stands as part of a record crowd of more than 72,600, Messi scored a wonder goal and created another in Miami’s 3-2 victory.
Luis Suárez secured the three points with the winning goal, 19 minutes from time, after Tata Martino’s team came from behind to claim their first victory in a month.
Mahomes and Messi shared a warm hug before the game, with the Super Bowl champion watching alongside his wife Brittany and Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. “Good luck, have fun,” Mahomes was heard saying.
Sporting KC typically plays Major League Soccer matches at the 18,500-seat Children’s Mercy Park. However, with the Argentine superstar in town, the game was moved to the home of the city’s NFL team.
Lionel Messi took over Arrowhead Stadium against Patrick Mahomes on Saturday night
Mahomes met Messi before the win, as Chiefs coach Andy Reid looked on (right)
Mahomes is used to being the center of attention in Arrowhead, but on Saturday night it was soccer great Messi’s turn.
The 36-year-old now has five goals and five assists in five games this season. On Saturday, he scored a fantastic shot from outside the box to put Inter Miami ahead shortly after the break.
The visitors had fallen behind early to a goal from Erik Thommy, but Messi scored for Diego Gómez with a precise pass.
Thommy tied the game 2-2 with half an hour left before Suarez hit the far post to secure the three points in front of a club record crowd of 72,610, the third-highest attendance in MLS history.
Patrick and Brittany Mahomes, a former soccer player, are co-owners of the local women’s team, Kansas City Current.
Mahomes and his wife Brittany were at Arrowhead Stadium for the Inter Miami game.