Messi was seen mouthing a few words at an Orlando player as the two teams made their way to the players’ tunnel at the DRV PNK Stadium, during half-time.
Messi lashes out at an Orlando footballer in the players’ tunnel after being fouled several times, and the footage becomes viral.
Lionel Messi continues to shine in his new home at Inter Miami, scoring another brace with two volleys to help Inter Miami defeat Orlando City 3-1 and advance to the League Cup quarterfinals. Both Messi goals were well-executed, with the Argentine finding space in the area and firing volleys past the keeper, first with his left boot and then with his right.
However, in a tough and snappy contest, Messi displayed an energy and mindset that the Argentine rarely displays. Orlando tried a new strategy to thwart Messi, who has scored in every match since his Miami debut.
Orlando’s players fouled Messi on multiple occasions while attempting to confront him physically. This was hardly the first time Messi has been targeted by opposing defenders, but it seemed to have gotten to him this time. Throughout the competition, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner exuded frustration.
Fans on Twitter tweeted videos of Messi responding to a tackle by shoving Orlando’s number 5 Cesar Araujo, who also impressed with a goal in the 17th minute. It was one of numerous fouls committed by either side in a stop-start game, but it wasn’t enough to derail Messi’s incredible form, as he increased his goal tally to 5 in 3 games.
Angry Messi😂😂 https://t.co/jcgXqBQoC0
— Berneese (@the_berneese_) August 3, 2023
Another video showed Messi arguing with Orlando’s Felipe Martins in the 83rd minute before being separated by Miami forward Leonardo Campana. It lasted till the finish of the game. During halftime, Messi was observed mouthing a few words to an Orlando player as the two sides made their way to the players’ tunnel at the DRV PNK Stadium.
Messi lashes out at an Orlando footballer in the players’ tunnel after being fouled several times, and the footage becomes viral.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1686928691786645504
While Messi has remained relatively cool throughout his career, allowing his football to speak for itself, the encounter reminded supporters of Argentina’s furious clash with the Netherlands at the Qatar World Cup. Messi lost his temper several times during that hot and savage battle, in which players on both sides committed multiple fouls, resulting in bookings.
The emotions of the match aside, Miami continued their path through the tournament, inspired by Messi. He opened the scoring but a Josef Martinez penalty would be required to retake the lead following halftime. Martinez would assist Messi for an insurance goal, and Miami will now begin preparing for their quarterfinal match against FC Dallas in the Leagues Cup on Sunday.
