When Lionel Messi stepped onto the pitch for Inter Miami against LAFC at BMO Stadium on September 3, 2023, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. The Argentine superstar, fresh from his blockbuster move to Major League Soccer, had already transformed the league with his arrival, drawing massive crowds and celebrity attention wherever he played. That night in Los Angeles was no exception—the game became a star-studded spectacle, with fans and famous faces alike eager to witness Messi’s magic in person.

Among the high-profile attendees was Selena Gomez, the global pop icon, actress, and self-proclaimed soccer enthusiast. Seated in the stands, Gomez was caught on camera during a pivotal moment that quickly went viral across social media. As Messi received the ball in a dangerous position inside the box, he unleashed a precise shot toward goal. LAFC goalkeeper John McCarthy, in a moment of brilliance, threw himself across the line to make a stunning block with an outstretched arm, denying what seemed like a certain goal.

The broadcast captured Gomez’s immediate reaction: eyes widening in disbelief, mouth agape in pure astonishment. Her expression—wide-eyed shock mixed with awe—perfectly encapsulated the collective gasp from the crowd and viewers at home. The clip spread like wildfire, with fans dubbing it the ultimate “mood” for anyone who’s ever watched Messi pull off something extraordinary only to be thwarted at the last second. Gomez herself embraced the meme, reposting a screengrab on her Instagram Stories with the simple caption “Mood,” turning her stunned face into an instant relatable sensation.

The moment wasn’t just about the save; it highlighted Messi’s gravitational pull on global celebrities and casual fans alike. Even someone as accomplished as Gomez, with billions of streams and a massive following, couldn’t hide her genuine excitement and surprise. Her reaction humanized the superstar status of Messi—reminding everyone that even icons can leave other icons speechless. The game itself ended in a 3-1 victory for Inter Miami, with Messi providing key contributions in build-up play despite not finding the net, further cementing his impact on MLS.

Celebrity attendance at Messi’s matches had become a phenomenon since his debut earlier that summer. From Will Smith and Bad Bunny to NBA stars and Hollywood figures, everyone wanted a glimpse of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in pink. Gomez’s presence added another layer of pop culture crossover, blending soccer with entertainment in a way that amplified the league’s visibility. Her viral moment underscored how Messi’s arrival elevated MLS from niche American sport to worldwide event.

Fast-forward to February 2026, and the anticipation builds again as Inter Miami returns to Los Angeles for their MLS season opener against the same opponent, LAFC. Messi, now deeper into his American chapter, continues to draw record crowds and celebrity eyes. The 2023 encounter remains a benchmark for star power in MLS—Gomez’s jaw-drop reaction still circulates as a throwback clip, reminding fans of the electric energy Messi brought to the league from day one.

That night in 2023 wasn’t just a game; it was a cultural moment. Gomez’s wide-eyed awe captured the essence of watching Messi: the constant possibility of something miraculous, the tension of near-misses, and the sheer joy of witnessing greatness. McCarthy’s save, while heroic for LAFC, only amplified Messi’s aura—proving that even when he doesn’t score, he leaves indelible marks on spectators, famous or not.

Social media exploded with memes and edits overlaying Gomez’s face on classic shock reactions, from movie scenes to everyday surprises. Fans joked that if Messi could stun Selena Gomez, he truly was from another planet. Others praised her authenticity—no scripted response, just raw fandom. The clip racked up millions of views, with comments flooding in: “This is all of us watching Messi,” “GOAT energy,” and “Selena representing every fan right now.”

For Inter Miami, the match marked an early high point in their Messi era. The team, bolstered by his presence and that of former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba, turned heads across the league. Gomez’s reaction became symbolic of the broader excitement surrounding Messi’s move—turning MLS into must-watch television and attracting new audiences worldwide.

As Saturday night’s opener approaches, fans are buzzing about potential rematches of that drama. Will Messi deliver another moment of magic? Will celebrities fill the stands again? And could another viral reaction emerge? The 2023 throwback serves as a reminder: when Messi plays in LA, anything can happen, and sometimes the best stories come from the stands.

Gomez’s jaw-drop endures as one of the most endearing celebrity moments in sports history—proof that even global superstars become starstruck fans when the greatest player of all time takes the field. It’s a testament to Messi’s transcendent appeal: on any given night, he can leave even Selena Gomez utterly speechless.