Inter Miami’s League Cup clash against Orlando City was delayed by over 90 minutes due to adverse weather conditions.
Fans of Lionel Messi were hoping to be treated to another spectacle from the 36-year-old following his explosive start to his career in America.
And they got what they were after with Messi scoring twice in the 3-1 win to make it five goals in three games.
But supporters were made to wait to witness his dazzling display after torrential rain waterlogged the pitch at the DRV PNK Stadium.
Players were also escorted off the pitch while they were preparing for kick-off due to lightning in the Fort Lauderdale area.
It led to the game – which was scheduled to start at 1am BST – to unsurprisingly be delayed.
A statement from the Leagues Cup read: “This evening’s match between Inter Miami vs Orland City will be subject to a weather delay.
“We will provide an update on the kickoff time when available.”
Broadcasters Apple TV subsequently switched to showing Inter’s previous match against Atlanta United instead of the Round of 32 build-up.
The game was eventually given a new kick-off time for 2:35am as workers swept off the water from the pitch.
Messi broke the deadlock just seven minutes into the contest with a volley from close range.
And he grabbed his second of the match in similar fashion, this time with a weak foot volley into the bottom corner from six yards out.
Inter will now face FC Dallas in Texas for a place in the Leagues Cup quarter-finals.
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