Is Messi's Response to Ronaldo's Celebration a Sign of Respect or Rivalry?

Lionel Messi produced a couple of delightful assists for Inter Miami against New York City in the MLS but was still at the receiving end of a Cristiano Ronaldo-themed celebration from his opponent.

The incident happened in the 26th minute of the game when New York City defender Mitja Ilenic performed Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic celebration in the presence of Lionel Messi after scoring a goal and levelling the score at 1-1. Not only did Ilenic pull off the stunt, but he also expressed his happiness after being able to do it in front of Messi.

"About the celebration, I'm a big fan of Cristiano, to be honest," he said after the game. "That was basically my dream: to do it in front of (Lionel) Messi. I would say it also shows my confidence and I'm super, super happy about it, that it happened today." The match ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw but it was this moment that stole the spotlight.

"How Lionel Messi Shut Down Cristiano Ronaldo's Celebration Mockery with Class"

Inter Miami had played much of the second half down a goal. New York’s Alonso Martínez got an easy one past Oscar Ustari after Inter Miami’s Jordi Alba mistakenly made a pass directly to Martínez to put New York up 2-1 in the 55th minute.

But Messi, last season’s MLS MVP, helped his team salvage a tie, showing no signs of fatigue in his second match in three days.

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano, however, was all praise for his talisman.

“He’s like a kid playing, and he doesn’t want to lose,” said Mascherano.

“We need to keep him with this spirit,” he said, “because it’s not just what he does on the pitch, it’s what he translates to his teammates and all that he does with his 37 years.”