Lionel Messi Dribbling Past Injured Andrew Brody Like a "Cone During a Training Drill" Dubbed "Funniest Play We'll See All Season"

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi produced a viral moment just before half-time in Wednesday's 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake on the opening day of the 2024 Major League Soccer season.

Messi assisted Robert Taylor to put Miami 1-0 up in the 39th minute but it was what the 36-year-old did moments later that really grabbed the attention of the fans watching.

Salt Lake left-back Andrew Brody was lying on the ground just outside the penalty area with what appeared to be a hand injury.

Despite this, Miami continued to attack.

Messi was in possession and, after dribbling past Brayan Vera, he found himself next  to Brody.

He then instinctively chipped the ball delicately over Brody before firing in a shot that was blocked by another defender.

Messi's chip over Brody, who did not flinch, was so delicate that the ball appeared to flick off the defender's chest on its way past him.

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi showed no mercy as he cheekily dribbled past Andrew Brody while the Real Salt Lake defender was on the ground

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Footage of the incident quickly went viral on social media.

One fan posted a video alongside the message: "How do you not love watching Messi? The absolute cheek to dink it over the injured player."

A different fan wrote: "Messi flicking the ball over Brody while he's on the ground is probably the funniest play we'll see all season".

Another commented: "Messi just chipped the ball over an injured Andrew Brody and kept going around him like he was just a cone during a training drill. Dude is playing FIFA in real life".

Fortunately, Brody's injury was not serious and he was able to continue and eventually completed the full 90 minutes.

Messi also played the full match and he was involved in the move that resulted in Miami's second goal late on.

It was scored by Diego Gomez and assisted by Luis Suarez but Messi had played a key role in the build-up.