Footage shows Lionel Messi comforting DJ Khaled's crying son before Inter Miami heroics

The 36-year-old - Inter's new captain - led out his teammates for their Leagues Cup clash against MLS rivals Atlanta, where the youngster was the club's mascot.

And as Messi was greeted to a raucous cheer from the home support, Asahd Khaled was reduced to tears.

But the 2022 World Cup winner was quick to check on the six-year-old as he showed his compassionate side.

The Barcelona legend leaned over to console Asahd, before reassuring him by placing his hands on the kid's shoulders.

Rapper DJ Khaled later took to Instagram to share a video of Messi holding his son's hand as he led him out to the pitch at the DRV PNK Stadium.

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He captioned the clip: "I'm so proud of my son! Bless @leomessi!!!"

While Messi showed his softer side before the match, he was ruthless once the game got under way.

After scoring a 94th minute free-kick on his debut last week, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner added two more goals to his Inter tally.

Messi scored twice in the opening 22 minutes as Miami eased to a 4-0 win to progress into the Round of 32.

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His first goal came in the eighth minute where he was played through on goal by Sergio Busquets - reminiscent of their link-up at the Nou Camp between 2008-2021.

Messi ran one-on-one with ex-Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan, but his effort crashed off the post, before he converted the rebound.

And he doubled his tally shortly later after poking home into an empty net from close range after being picked out by Robert Taylor.

The Argentina international then returned the favour in the 53rd minute, as he played in Taylor to make it 4-0 - his second of the cup clash.