Lionel Messi’s furious outburst overshadows brilliant strike as Inter Miami held to 1-1 draw.
Messi’s incredible scoring form continued, but his evening ended in controversy as Inter Miami were denied a late penalty in a tense 1-1 MLS draw against Charlotte at the Chase Stadium on Saturday night.
The Argentina legend blasted the referee in a furious tirade, earning a yellow card, after Luis Suarez‘s penalty appeal was waved away.
Messi’s 15th league goal in 16 games this season, a sublime curler from outside the box, had leveled the contest after Karol Swiderski‘s opener for Charlotte.
However, Inter’s quest for a third consecutive win was thwarted, leaving them with their third successive draw.
In the dying embers of the game, a tantalizing combination between three former Barcelona stalwarts – Messi, Jordi Alba, and Suarez – nearly secured victory for Inter.
Suarez’s powerful effort sailed over the bar, and his subsequent collision with Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina sparked chaos.
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Messi vehemently protested the referee’s decision not to award a penalty, unleashing a fiery verbal barrage that earned him a yellow card.
‘You’re a mean-spirited son of a b***h,’ Messi reportedly told the referee according to Ole.
Despite the late drama, Messi’s strike maintained Inter’s unbeaten run to eight MLS games.
The 36-year-old’s remarkable scoring streak has propelled Inter to the cusp of securing the number one seed for the MLS Cup playoffs.
A victory over Columbus on Wednesday would cement their position.
Inter head coach Gerardo Martino praised Messi’s growing influence, stating,
“Leo is going to get better and better as he plays 90 minutes… Obviously, Leo doesn’t need separate physical work in training, but he needs competition rhythm.”
Messi’s return to action in September, following a two-month ankle injury layoff, has revitalized Inter’s push for MLS glory.
