Lionel MessiInter Miami’s ninth goal might have been their best yet, judging by the wild reaction on social media on Tuesday night.

Messi scored from around 35 yards out to put Miami 2-0 up in the first half against Philadelphia Union.

After receiving a pass from Josef Martinez, Messi moved forward unopposed and took off with an ambitious shot from long range.

But his left-footed shot was struck so softly that it whistled into the far corner and beyond the reach of helpless Union keeper Andre Blake.

Pat McAfee watched the game – the “other” football – and was left in shock.

“MESSI JUST MARKED FROM THE PARKING,” McAfee wrote on Twitter.

JJ Watt, who is learning football after his recent investment in English Premier League side Burnley, can do much worse than keep watching Messi in Miami.

‘Messi. Everytime. Amazing.’ Watt wrote, in amazement, on Twitter.

Herc Gomez, the former USA international footballer, tweeted: ‘NINE GOALS FOR MESSI’. Nine. Come on. He is on a completely different level to everyone else in this competition.

Messi’s goal put Miami 2-0 up in the League Cup match at Philadelphia after strike partner Josef Martinez put the team ahead in just the third minute.

Messi’s impact on the Miami team cannot be underestimated – Miami have been the worst team in Major League Soccer, but since Messi’s arrival they have been completely transformed.

Messi has yet to feature in MLS itself – he’s only played in the Coupe des Ligues – but Miami have swept every team they’ve faced with Messi in the starting lineup.

Now, Nashville awaits the final of the League Cup and it is only Saturday that we will know if he knows the same fate in Tennessee.