Amidst the NBA playoff frenzy, soccer superstar Lionel Messi took a break from MLS action to attend the Miami Heat vs. Celtics game, accompanied by teammates Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s unexpected presence at the Kaseya Center garnered attention, with fans giving him a warm welcome.

Messi, who joined Inter Miami in 2023, has been instrumental in elevating MLS’s profile through his consistent performances. His appearance at the NBA playoff game added excitement to the event, with fans acknowledging his impact on American soccer.

Miami Heat failed to secure Game 4 against the Boston Celtics

Despite Messi’s presence, the Miami Heat faced a bitter defeat against the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the playoffs.

Celtics’ Derrick White showcased a dominant performance, contributing significantly to his team’s victory and putting the Heat in a challenging position in the series.

Despite a late push from the Miami Heat, led by Kristaps Porzingis and Jayson Tatum, injuries and the Celtics’ formidable defense proved too much to overcome.

With the Celtics now holding a significant advantage in the series, the Heat must regroup and fight for survival in the upcoming games.

Messi’s attendance at the NBA playoff game added an unexpected twist to the event, showcasing the crossover appeal of sports icons across different disciplines.

As the series progresses, fans are eager to see how both teams will respond, with Messi’s presence adding an extra layer of excitement to the NBA playoffs.