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That was a special hug! Lionel Messi shares a warm hug with Hollywood actor Will Smith during the Inter Miami match

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by

John SN

Will Smith had a front row seat for Lionel Messi’s MLS season opener on Wednesday night.

Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain put in a Man of the Match performance as his Inter Miami secured a 2-0 win against Real Salt Lake at the recently-upgraded and newly-named Chase Stadium.

Smith was in attendance and got to me the 'GOAT'

Smith was in attendance and got to me the ‘GOAT’Credit: Instagram@willsmith

Miami co-owner David Beckham flew over to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to watch the season-opener with his A-list celebrity pal.

The Fresh Prince himself was in attendance and got to witness Messi Magic in the flesh.

Beckham and Smith are long-time friends, and partied together back in 2007 when the ex Manchester United star and his family moved to Los Angeles after he signed with the Galaxy.

Lionel Messi and Will Smith: the iconic hug that gave everybody goosebumps finally happened | Marca

The Oscar-winning actor seemed to enjoy Wednesday’s match and took to Instagram to congratulate Leo on the win while thanking Becks for organising his pitch-side experience

“This was CRAZY!!,” Smith posted alongside photos with Messi and the former England captain.

“Big congrats on the W @leomessi 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷. ‘Preciate you @davidbeckham!”

Smith and the Barcelona legend also shared a touching moment at halftime as The Herons led by 1-0.

The pair hugged it out as Messi headed to the locker room at halftime

The pair hugged it out as Messi headed to the locker room at halftimeCredit: X@RoyNemer

Smith posted an image of the pair to his social media

Smith posted an image of the pair to his social mediaCredit: Instagram@willsmith

Smith thanked friend and Miami co-owner David Beckham for organising it

Smith thanked friend and Miami co-owner David Beckham for organising itCredit: Instagram@willsmith

As Messi – who earlier revealed his pre-game music playlist – headed down the tunnel to the locker room, he stopped to shake hands with the Bad Boys star and the pair shared a hug.

Goals, Assists & Countless Trophies: Lionel Messi’s Most Incredible Numbers!

The diminutive icon assisted Robert Taylor’s opener before playing a pivotal role in Miami’s second from Diego Gomez.

He combined with Luis Suarez, who in turn found Gomez to slot the ball home into the corner.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also saw his free-kick cleared off the line and hit the bar directly from a corner as Inter Miami kicked off the new campaign with a win.

Will Smith fue a ver a Messi en el debut del Inter Miami en la MLS - 2024 - Medios Rioja

Miami boss Gerardo Martino was full of praise for Messi after the game, saying: “I saw him very loose, very fine, with a lot of speed.

“There’s something about him that doesn’t happen with other players.

“He can take the ball, even far away from goal, and he gives you the feeling the play will turn into a scoring chance.”

Messi and co. secured the inaugural Leagues Cup last term.

However, the Barcelona-heavy squad, featuring Messi, Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, will be looking to go one better this time and win the MLS Cup for the first time in the club’s short history.