Following an intense Leagues Cup quarter-finals showdown, Charlotte FC’s defender, Harrison Afful, found himself brimming with excitement after going head-to-head against none other than the legendary Lionel Messi, now proudly representing Inter Miami.
Inter Miami secured a resounding 4-0 victory under the Friday night lights, though it was the poignant jersey exchange between Afful and Messi that truly seized the attention.
Afful, a stalwart at 37 years old, commenced the game and valiantly battled for 83 minutes before making way for the promising former Whitecaps Academy talent, Brandon Cambridge.
Inter Miami took the lead with Josef Martinez converting a penalty in the 12th minute, followed by Thomas Taylor doubling the advantage in the 32nd minute.
An unexpected twist saw Adilson Malanda of Charlotte FC inadvertently scoring an own goal in the 78th minute, setting the stage for Lionel Messi to seal Inter Miami’s triumph with a masterful strike in the 86th minute.
Post-match, the former Black Stars right-back, Harrison Afful, shared a jersey swap with Lionel Messi, who walked away adorned with a radiant smile.
Watch the video below:
