Lionel Messi, the global soccer icon and Inter Miami star, took a break from the pitch to enjoy a night out watching the Miami Heat in action.

Alongside teammates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez, Messi made a star-studded appearance at the Heat’s playoff matchup against the Boston Celtics on Monday evening.

The group, some sporting Heat attire, made a grand entrance through the players’ parking garage before being ushered in through a VIP entrance to their seats. Messi had previously visited the arena for other events, but this marked his first official attendance at a Miami Heat game since he relocated to the city last year.

Despite his night off, Messi’s presence added a touch of glamour to the already star-studded event. As a key figure for Inter Miami, Messi’s impact on the pitch has been nothing short of remarkable, with his team currently leading the Eastern Conference in Major League Soccer (MLS).

In recent matches, Messi has showcased his scoring prowess, contributing two goals and an assist in Inter Miami’s recent victory over New England. Remarkably, he has maintained a streak of multiple goal contributions in five consecutive matches, a feat never before achieved in MLS history.

With nine goals and seven assists in just seven matches, Messi’s influence on Inter Miami’s success this season has been undeniable. His stellar performances mirror his illustrious career, which includes leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup.

During his storied career, Messi has amassed over 800 goals for club and country, establishing himself as one of the greatest scorers in soccer history. His remarkable talent was on full display in the 2022 World Cup final, where he scored twice to help Argentina secure victory over France.

Off the field, Messi’s appearance at the Miami Heat game served as a reminder of his global appeal and star power. As fans eagerly awaited his return to the pitch, Messi’s presence at the arena added an extra layer of excitement to the playoff atmosphere.

However, Messi’s night off did not detract from his commitment to excellence on the soccer field. As he continues to dazzle fans with his performances for Inter Miami, Messi remains a symbol of sporting greatness and a source of inspiration for soccer enthusiasts worldwide.