Lionel Messi made headlines after he marked his equalizing goal on Saturday night with an Iron Man celebration that went viral.

In the 67th minute of Inter Miami’s 1-1 match against Charlotte FC, Messi scored and then posed with his hands by his sides, palms facing down, and lifted his heels as if taking off like Iron Man.

This Marvel-inspired celebration started during Messi’s first year with Inter Miami and continued through Saturday’s game. He directed the gesture towards his children, who were watching from the stands at Chase Stadium.

Previously, Messi has paid homage to other Marvel icons through his goal celebrations, such as reaching for Thor’s hammer, crossing his arms like Black Panther, and mimicking Spider-Man’s web-slinging.

In an interview with the Miami Herald last August, Messi shared that these celebrations began after he watched Marvel films with his sons prior to their school year starting last year, shortly after he joined the team.

“My three sons are still on vacation, haven’t started school yet, so we watch Marvel superhero movies every night. They suggested that I do a Marvel superhero celebration whenever I score a goal in a game. That’s how it began, and we’ve kept up that tradition,” Messi said. “With each new movie we watched, we practiced a new goal celebration. But I only do them during home games when the kids are close enough to share those moments. I do them when I see them in the stands.”

Messi and Inter Miami are set to face what might be the most significant game of the MLS season on Wednesday against the reigning champions, Columbus Crew.

A win could earn Inter Miami the MLS Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the best record in the regular season. It would also mark Messi’s second title with Inter Miami, following their victory in the Leagues Cup 2023.