Former NFL star Chad Johnson crossed paths with Lionel Messi again on Wednesday night – 18 years on from his first encounter with the soccer legend.
Messi and Inter Miami successfully got their 2024 MLS season up and running against Real Salt Lake City, cruising to a 2-0 victory to open their account in style.
In the house to watch Miami claim an opening win was Johnson, who headed to Chase Stadium for Wednesday’s game.
Prior to kickoff the ex-Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver could be seen embracing Inter co-owner David Beckham, with the pair sharing a hug and catching up after meeting on previous occasions.
And once Beckham’s Miami had seen off Real Salt Lake, it was time for another blast from the past for Johnson as he managed to grab a photo with Messi after the game.
Former NFL star Chad Johnson crossed paths with Lionel Messi again on Wednesday night
He first met the soccer legend when he was making his breakthrough at Barcelona in 2006
Just two legends catching up. @ochocinco 🤝 David Beckham pic.twitter.com/rO0aAjxNy9
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 22, 2024
The six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver shared then-and-now photos on social media
The pair first took a snap together back in 2006 when Messi was enjoying his breakthrough years at Barcelona, where he would go on to seal a legacy as arguably the greatest soccer player of all time.
Johnson shared then-and-now pictures of himself alongside the Argentina captain on X, marking a full-circle moment for the six-time Pro Bowl wideout.
He wasn’t the only famous figure in attendance on Wednesday night, nevertheless.
Beckham also invited long-term friend and acting royalty Will Smith to Chase Stadium, with the pair seen laughing and joking together prior to the match.
While he wasn’t on the scoresheet, Messi was still at his brilliant best to help Miami hit the ground running against Real Salt Lake.
He started alongside former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez for the first time in MLS and they dominated the first half.
Robert Taylor scored the opening goal of the season for Gerardo Martino’s team from a Messi assist – thanks to some awful goalkeeping from Zac MacMath in the Salt Lake goal.
Moments later, Messi threatened a second goal after some ridiculous skill that presented a chance in front of goal.
Johnson watched on as Messi inspired Miami to an opening 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake
Will Smith was also in the house for Wednesday night’s game at Miami’s Chase Stadium
The 36-year-old cut inside onto his preferred left foot but his path to goal was blocked by a Salt Lake defender, who was lying down on the ground injured.
While Miami lost their way as a team after their dominant first half, they dug deep and eventually killed off vastly improved RSL.
Messi showed brilliant strength, speed and close control to drive forward through the middle before playing in Luis Suarez, who set up Diego Gomez to score in the 83rd minute.
