Lionel Messi appeared to share a moving celebration with Inter Miami president David Beckham after he opened the scoring in their 4-0 win over Atalanta United – gesturing to the ex-England captain with his hand.
The Argentinean superstar scored twice in the thumping victory as he made his first start for his new MLS club – and he wasted no time in making an impression on the game.
Just eight minutes in Sergio Busquets a ball over the top, which Messi latched onto, and after his first effort hit the post, finished the rebound to open the scoring.
Messi celebrated with his team-mates – but then appeared to single out Beckham in the stands in what looked like an inside joke between the pair.
As Messi finished off enjoying the moment with his teammates, the Argentine did his familiar point to the sky gesture with his hands, before sharing a special moment with Beckham.
Lionel Messi pointed to the sky to celebrate his opening goal on his first start for Inter Miami – before appearing to gesture towards David Beckham
Messi and Beckham have shared a close relationship previously and have been pictured many times since his arrival at the MLS club
The gesture towards Beckham has been dubbed the ‘hold my beer’ celebration
Smiling directly at Beckham, Messi appeared to make a celebration that fans are dubbing ‘hold my beer’ as he and the familiar face watching grinned and laughed together.
As Messi directed his gesture, the club president stood up and applauded his newest signing.
Messi didn’t stop there though, the World Cup winner doubled Inter’s lead just after the twenty-minute mark, much to the delight of his new American fanbase.
Arriving into the box to meet Robert Taylor’s cross to net his second of the game, as Miami went on to win the game 4-0.
The forward’s brace comes just a game after his debut, where in typical Messi fashion he marked with another memorable moment to add to his glittering career CV.
Coming off the bench to score an injury-time free-kick to see his new club beat Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.
Messi scored twice in the 4-0 win and played 78 minutes of the Leagues Cup win over Atlanta
Messi lasted 78 minutes of the win over Atalanta, and will now get set to make his MLS debut when Miami take on Charlotte this weekend.
Beckham spoke in glowing terms about Messi after his arrival was confirmed this month, calling him ‘a friend’ and ‘an amazing person’.
‘The next chapter of our story starts here,’ he said on social media. ‘Ten years ago when I started this journey, I dreamt of bringing the greatest players in the world to Miami… Players who shared the ambition I had when I joined LA Galaxy to help grow football in this country and build a legacy in this sport that we love so much.
‘Today that dream came true. I couldn’t be prouder that a player of Leo’s calibre is joining our club but I’m also delighted to welcome a friend, an amazing person and his beautiful family to join our Inter Miami CF community.’