Minnesota United midfielder Joaquin Pereyra’s playing career started in Rosario, Argentina — the hometown of legend Lionel Messi — in 2016. When Pereyra debuted for Rosario Central at age 16, Messi — 11 years Pereyra’s senior — was already in Spain scoring goals by the ton and winning Ballon d’Or trophies as FIFA’s player of the year at Barcelona.

In the end, most everyone got what they hoped for at Allianz Field on Saturday. The Loons took down Inter Miami with a comprehensive 4-1 victory. And the Herons’ lone goal was scored by the master himself,

Lionel Messi is healthy, rested, and expected to travel with Inter Miami for upcoming road games vs. Minnesota United and San Jose Earthquakes.