Lionel Messi may not have stepped onto the pitch this weekend, but the Argentine superstar still made headlines — this time from the stands. Suspended for missing the MLS All-Star Game, Messi was spotted attending Inter Miami's clash with FC Cincinnati at Chase Stadium, accompanied by his close friend and new teammate Rodrigo De Paul. Yet what truly caught the internet’s attention was his interaction—or lack thereof—with Antonela Roccuzzo.

Why Was Messi Absent from the Match?

Messi did not feature in the game due to MLS regulations, which impose an automatic one-match suspension on players who skip the All-Star Game without a valid excuse. Although sidelined, Messi still showed up in support of his team, watching the match from a VIP suite.

That’s where the now-viral moment occurred.

What Happened in the Viral Clip?

In a video widely circulated online, Messi is seen fully immersed in conversation with De Paul, paying little attention to Antonela, who sits silently beside him. The clip sparked a wave of memes and comments celebrating the infamous “bromance” between the two World Cup winners.

Fans joked that Messi seemed more enamored with De Paul than with his own wife, fueling the ongoing narrative of their tight-knit bond both on and off the pitch.

Despite the jokes, it appears to be just a light-hearted moment between longtime friends — with the added twist that they are now also club teammates in Miami.

Is De Paul Officially an Inter Miami Player?

Yes. Rodrigo De Paul has officially joined Inter Miami CF, marking his first venture into Major League Soccer after stints in Europe with Atlético de Madrid and Udinese. His signing is a major move for Gerardo Martino’s squad, strengthening the team’s midfield and bringing Messi’s inner circle even closer.

De Paul will immediately begin training with the team, cementing one of Argentina’s most iconic partnerships now on U.S. soil.