Lionel Messi let Josef Martinez take the penalty for Inter Miami to rebuild his confidence in classy gesture

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In a noble move, Lionel Messi allowed Josef Martinez to take the penalty for Inter Miami against Orlando City.

Following his two-goal performance against Atlanta United, Messi added a second brace to help Inter Miami defeat Orlando City 3-1 on Wednesday.

He scored the game’s first goal in the seventh minute, and then added his second to make it 3-1 in the 72nd.

Martinez scored as well after the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner passed up the opportunity to convert from the penalty spot.

Just after the break, Inter Miami was given a penalty, and the Venezuelan converted it to give his team the lead once more.

After winning the Leagues Cup, the forward stated that Messi had instructed him to take the penalties.

“You don’t want it?” asked Martinez. Messi answered, “No, you take it.”

“When there’s a pen, you have to wait to hear what the man says,” Martnez continued.

Lionel Messi and Josef Martinez embrace after Inter Miami goal. Image: Getty

Martinez was able to regain his confidence thanks to Messi’s gesture after struggling to score for a while.

The 30-year-old has not scored since his goal against the Columbus Crew on July 5 before last night’s penalty.

Contrarily, Messi has had a productive start to his Inter Miami career, scoring five goals in as few as three games.

He beat Cruz Azul with an incredible last-second free kick before scoring twice against Atlanta United and Orlando City.

The Argentine clashed with multiple Orlando City players, displaying his zeal and love for the game.

Messi will look to continue his impressive goal-scoring ways when Inter Miami face FC Dallas on Sunday in the round of 16 of the Leagues Cup.