Chad Johnson meets Lionel Messi again after Inter Miami’s MLS opener vs Real Salt Lake City… as the former NFL star shares then-and-now photos 18 years on from first encounter

Former NFL star Chad Johnson crossed paths with Lionel Messi again on Wednesday night – 18 years after his first meeting with the football legend.

Messi and Inter Miami successfully got their 2024 MLS season underway against Real Salt Lake City, cruising to a 2-0 victory to open their account in style.

In the house to watch Miami claim an opening win was Johnson, who was heading to Chase Stadium for Wednesday’s game.

Prior to kickoff, the ex-Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver was seen hugging Inter co-owner David Beckham, with the pair sharing a hug and catching up after meeting on previous occasions.

And after Beckham’s Miami Real Salt Lake, it was time for Johnson to take another blast from the past as he managed to take a photo with Messi after the match.

He first met the football legend when he broke through at Barcelona in 2006

The six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver shared then-and-now photos on social media

The pair first came together in 2006, when Messi was enjoying his breakthrough years at Barcelona, ​​where he would seal a legacy as arguably the greatest footballer of all time.

Johnson shared then-and-now photos of himself next to the Argentina captain at X, marking a full-circle moment for the six-time Pro Bowl wideout.

Yet he was not the only well-known figure present on Wednesday evening.

Beckham also invited his long-term friend and acting king Will Smith to Chase Stadium, where the pair laughed and joked together before the match.

Even though he wasn’t on the scoresheet, Messi was still at his brilliant best to put Miami on the ground against Real Salt Lake.

He started alongside former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez in the MLS for the first time and they dominated the first half.

Robert Taylor scored the opening goal of the season for Gerardo Martino’s team with an assist from Messi – thanks to some poor goalkeeping from Zac MacMath in the Salt Lake goal.

Moments later, Messi threatened with a second goal after a ridiculous skill that created a chance in front of goal.

Johnson watched as Messi inspired Miami to an opening 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake

Will Smith was also at the game at Chase Stadium in Miami on Wednesday night

The 36-year-old cut inside on his favored left foot, but his path to goal was blocked by a Salt Lake defender, who lay injured on the ground.

While Miami lost their way as a team after their dominant first half, they dug deep and ultimately killed off the much-improved RSL.

Messi showed brilliant strength, speed and close control to drive forward through the center before setting up Luis Suarez, who set up Diego Gomez in the 83rd minute.