Antoine Griezmann scored the winning goal for Orlando City against San Diego FC before appearing five minutes later as though Florida had won the match.
The 35-year-old put Orlando ahead in the 28th minute, producing a controlled finish to score for the third consecutive MLS game.
When the match reached its hydration break in the 33rd minute, however, Griezmann was shown breathing heavily with a cold towel covering his head and an ice pack pressed against his neck.
The Frenchman was already drenched in sweat as he listened to instructions from Orlando’s coaching staff, although remaining conscious appeared to be the more immediate tactical priority.
Hot and extremely humid conditions had triggered the cooling break at Inter&Co Stadium. Temperatures in Orlando reportedly reached 34°C during the day, while humidity readings climbed as high as 94 per cent.
Cooling breaks are designed to protect every player on the pitch, but Griezmann appeared to have been selected as their principal beneficiary.
Footage of the moment quickly spread across social media, where supporters suggested the former Atlético Madrid forward was reconsidering the geographical implications of his summer transfer.
Griezmann spent more than a decade playing in Spain before joining Orlando in July. He has therefore encountered warm weather before, although Florida combines heat and humidity in a manner that treats previous experience as largely advisory.
His condition during the break did not prevent him from deciding the match. Orlando protected their lead to secure a 1-0 victory, with Griezmann’s fifth goal in eight league appearances proving the difference.
He has also supplied three assists since arriving in MLS, suggesting that the climate has caused considerably more difficulty than the football.
Orlando signed Atlético Madrid’s record goalscorer to improve their attack and have already received an immediate return. Their main task may now involve keeping sufficient towels, ice packs and drinking water available to ensure he reaches half-time.
The official result records Orlando City 1-0 San Diego FC.
Based on the footage after 33 minutes, Florida may also feel entitled to claim something from the game.
