One legend was on hand to see another play.
Yankees great and Baseball Hall of Famer Derek Jeter was at DVR PNK Stadium to catch Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF’s match against Orlando City SC on Wednesday night — and he got treated early as Messi scored the first goal of the game in the seventh minute before adding a second.
The game was Jeter’s first-ever soccer match, though he had to wait a little bit to see the action get underway thanks to a weather delay.
“I think everyone is obviously excited with Messi here,” Jeter said during an interview with Apple TV+. “You know arguably one of the greatest players to ever play and there’s a lot of excitement. He’s the talk of the town and I’m just looking forward to getting a chance to watch him play.
“When you play professional sports, you’re a fan of all sports and all players. You have admiration and respect for them, so I’m looking forward to watching him.”
Derek Jeter with Hanna Jeter and Marc Anthony at the game between Inter Miami CF and Orlando City SC at DRV PNK Stadium. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters
Derek Jeter poses with Marc Anthony at the start of the game. Larry Marano
Jeter was joined by Marc Anthony (centre) and Inter Miami owner David Beckham (left). Larry Marano
Wednesday’s match was part of the Leagues Cup tournament, which includes teams from Major League Soccer and Mexico’s Liga MX.
The MLS regular season is on hiatus while the tourney takes place and will resume toward the end of August.
Messi’s arrival has brought out plenty of celebrities to DRV PNK Stadium.
His Inter Miami debut in July brought out the likes of Kim Kardashian, LeBron James, Serena Williams, Marc Anthony and DJ Khaled.
Lionel Messi scores his team’s first goal in the 7th minute of the match. AFP via Getty Images
Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring a goal in the first half during the Leagues Cup 2023 Round of 32 match between Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on Aug. 2, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Getty ImagesIn Wednesday’s contest, the 36-year-old superstar caught a pass off the top of his chest and sent the ball sailing into the back of the net off a shot on his left foot.
Orlando did tie the game at 1-1 in the 17th minute, but Inter Miami retook the lead in the second half on a penalty kick goal by Josef Martínez.
With Miami up by a goal late in the second half, Messi added his second goal in the 72nd minute.
Miami went on to win 3-1 and will face the winner of Mazatlán and Dallas.
Messi scores Inter Miami’s 3rd goal in the 72nd minute. Getty Images
Lionel Messi (10) and midfielder Sergio Busquets (5) acknowledge the fans after the match against Orlando City SC at DRV PNK Stadium. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters