Leo Afonso Recalls Playing with Messi at Inter Miami and First Pro Goal

In a heart-stopping moment on the soccer field, Leo Afonso, a former University of Virginia soccer standout, experienced a dream come true. After scoring his first professional goal, he received a congratulatory head pat from none other than Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentinian player.

Reflecting on the moment, Afonso shared, “Life didn’t feel real at that point.” The experience became even more significant as Messi, regarded by many as the greatest of all time, had just wrapped up his likely final World Cup appearance. At 39, Messi exhibited his brilliant form, scoring eight goals and providing four assists, leading Argentina to the championship game against Spain, although they lost 1-0 at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.

🐐—Second-most goals in history (21)
🐐—Most wins in history (23)
🐐—Longest scoring streak (9)
🐐—Oldest hat trick scorer (38)
🐐—Joint-most tournament appearances (6)
🐐—Argentina’s top scorer at World Cup
🐐—Most goals from outside the area (7)
🐐—Most World Cup appearances… pic.twitter.com/7hze9eFYxy

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 19, 2026

Afonso, who played with Messi at Inter Miami CF during parts of the 2024 and 2025 Major League Soccer seasons, was already familiar with Messi’s prowess. “His greatness, it’s just expected for me, honestly,” Afonso noted. “The things he does in training, it’s like three times what he does in games.”

During his tenure at Inter Miami, Afonso saw Messi’s impact beyond the field. “Everywhere we went, we had the craziest security and people waiting everywhere,” Afonso recalled. Despite his status, Messi remained approachable and humble, blending effortlessly into team activities and engaging with younger players.

Afonso fondly remembered Messi’s supportive gestures, such as when he congratulated him after his first professional goal against the Colorado Rapids on April 7, 2024.

Currently playing for Rhode Island FC in the United Soccer League, Afonso cherishes his time alongside the soccer icon. His memories of Messi’s humility and leadership continue to inspire, long after their time at Inter Miami.