The Celtics came out on top against the Miami Heat in Game 4 of the first round of the 2023-24 NBA playoffs. MLS superstars, including World Champion Lionel Messi, were in attendance at Kaseya Center for the game on Tuesday.
Kaseya Center Erupts in Cheers as Football’s Reigning GOAT Attends Celtics vs Heat Game
Inter Miami superstars Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and the Argentine maestro Lionel Messi were in the bleachers during Game 4 of the Heat-Celtics playoffs series. The official X handle of Miami Heat posted a clip that showed Messi, Suarez, Alba, and Busquets entering the Kaeya Center before the game.
Messi, Suárez, Alba and Busquets in the building 👀@MiamiHEAT // @InterMiamiCF pic.twitter.com/HBgMW4rdjF
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) April 29, 2024
Fans were erratic having their favorite football icon in attendance and cheered Messi throughout the game. During the third quarter, Leo Messi was shown on the big screen of Kaseya Center and the Argentine waved at the fans. Immediately, the entire arena erupted in a roaring cheer and applauded the living legend.
One of biggest ovations of night from Heat fans. Lionel Messi on the big screen. pic.twitter.com/RNhidp3F0n
— Will Manso (@WillManso) April 30, 2024
The official social media account of the NBA also posted a clip on X that showed Messi and his Inter Miami teammates enjoying the Celtics-Heat game.
One of biggest ovations of night from Heat fans. Lionel Messi on the big screen. pic.twitter.com/RNhidp3F0n
— Will Manso (@WillManso) April 30, 2024
However, the game did not turn in favor of the Miami-based franchise as they fell 88-102 to the Celtics. The Boston Celtics now lead the series 3-1 and will be looking to eliminate the Heat in Game 5. Meanwhile, the Heat will go firing all guns at their last chance to advance in the playoffs. Without superstar Jimmy Butler the Heat haven’t struggled to match the Celtics’ offensive firepower and shot creation. For Miami to pull off an upset in Game 5 they will need a lopsided shooting performance like they got in Game 2 and for the Celtics to struggle with Kristaps Porzingis likely being out of the lineup.
Jimmy Butler Predicted Messi’s Impact in Miami Last Year
Earlier last year, when Messi signed with Inter Miami and joined the Miami-based side, Butler had voiced his excitement at the prospect of having one of the greatest ever in the same city.
“Obviously, he is one of the greatest players to play that beautiful game. I’m so excited for the city of Miami, to be able to have a player of that caliber here,” Butler said.
Jimmy Buckets had also predicted that with the Argentine’s arrival, the football scene in Miami would change for the better.
“Now that he is here, I think all the football/soccer fans from all over the world are going to come here and get an opportunity to watch him compete. So, I’m glad he’s here.”
Butler was more than right in that case as Messi led Inter Miami to their first-ever League Cup in his very first season in the US. In fact, the entire league saw a massive increase in viewership and jersey sales–numbers that were unprecedented in the history of the MLS.
