Hong Kong television personality Mayanne Mak turned a routine American vacation into an unforgettable sporting memory, witnessing Lionel Messi score four goals in a single match at Inter Miami’s home stadium in Florida.
The actress and host, currently on a busy vacation itinerary across the United States, attended the Major League Soccer fixture at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on a recent game day. Mak, known locally by her English name Mayanne, documented her excitement on social media as Inter Miami crushed its opponent 7–1, with Messi delivering a standout performance that included a rare “poker” — four goals in one match.
In a series of posts, Mak shared photos of herself on the stadium’s stands, arms outstretched in jubilation. “Megan watches Messi — 4 goals, what kind of play is this?” she wrote in a mix of Cantonese and English. She added, “Best day ever. One game, eight goals. Messi hat trick, Messi 4 goals, Messi free kick. Hard not to be excited. The roar of the crowd was incredible.”
Messi’s four-goal feat marked one of the most dominant individual performances of the season, showcasing his signature free-kick precision and finishing ability. The Argentine World Cup winner’s display helped Inter Miami maintain strong momentum in their campaign, electrifying a crowd that included international visitors like Mak.
Vacation Meets Fandom
Mak’s trip highlights the growing trend of Asian celebrities mixing personal travel with live sporting events abroad. For many fans in Hong Kong and across Asia, seeing global icons like Messi in person remains a bucket-list experience, especially given the limited availability of top-tier football in the region.
The actress’s enthusiastic social media posts quickly drew reactions from fans, many of whom expressed envy at her front-row seat to football history. Others noted the cultural play on words: “Mayanne” and “Messi” share the first two syllables in Cantonese phonetics, adding a layer of personal amusement to the outing.
Broader Impact
Messi’s move to Inter Miami in 2023 has significantly boosted the profile of MLS globally, drawing tourists and celebrities to matches who might not otherwise follow the league. For Asian visitors in particular, the opportunity to see a living legend in action — often with more accessible ticket pricing than European stadiums — has turned Miami into a pilgrimage site for football enthusiasts.
As Mak continues her American journey, her Messi experience serves as a reminder of the unexpected joys of travel: a last-minute ticket, a game for the ages, and a memory that transcends language. For fans still dreaming of seeing Messi live, the advice from Mayanne is clear: if you get the chance, take it.
