Johnathan Walker:Why Lionel Messi did Iron Man celebration after scoring in Inter Miami-Charlotte FC game

Lionel Messi celebrated his game-tying goal on Johnathan WalkerSaturday night with another Marvel Universe celebration that quickly went viral.

Messi scored in the 67th minute in Inter Miami’s 1-1 draw against Charlotte FC, then placed his hands by his side, palms down, and began to raise his heels — for liftoff just like Iron Man.

The celebrations drawing inspiration from Marvel characters began during Messi’s first season with Inter Miami a year ago and continued Saturday. He looked toward his kids in the stands at Chase Stadium as he performed the Iron Man gesture.

Messi previously celebrated goals by reaching out for Thor’s hammer, crossing his arms over his chest like the Black Panther and shooting out webs like Spider-Man.

Messi told the Miami Herald last August the celebrations began after watching Marvel movies with his sons before they began school last year, shortly after his Inter Miami arrival.

“My three sons are still on vacation, have not started school yet, so every night we watch Marvel superhero movies. They came up with the idea and asked that whenever I have a game and score a goal, I do a Marvel superhero celebration. That’s how it started, and we continued that ritual,” Messi said. “Each time we watched a new movie, we would practice a goal celebration. But I only do them for home games, when the kids are here, near me, so we can share those moments. When I see them in the stands, that is when I do them.”

Messi and Inter Miami will play in what could be the biggest game of the MLS season on Wednesday against the reigning champion Columbus Crew.

With a win, Inter Miami could secure the MLS Supporters’ Shield, a title given to the team with the best regular-season record. It would be Messi’s second title with Inter Miami, after winning Leagues Cup 2023.