Lionel Messi abuses and berates Referee after Inter Miami match, gets away with only Yellow Card

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Lionel Messi lost his composure during Inter Miami's MLS match against Charlotte FC on Saturday (September 28).

The Argentine was left frustrated as his team Inter Miami were held at home, and vented his anger to the referee. Karol Swiderski scored first for Charlotte, but Messi equalised with a stunning shot from outside the box. Despite their efforts, Inter couldn't secure a win.

Towards the end of the match, Messi believed his team deserved a penalty following an incident involving Luis Suarez and Charlotte's goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina. Messi expressed his frustration to the referee and his assistants, resulting in a yellow card for dissent. Despite his outburst, he avoided further disciplinary action but continued to berate the official.

The Argentina player, as per a report from Metro, abused the referee with a very rude and offensive curse word, but still escaped marching orders, which is lucky for him.

Inter Miami almost clinched victory when Messi's pass found Jordi Alba, who headed it to Suarez. However, Suarez missed the target and collided with Kahlina. This incident led to Messi's anger over the referee's decision not to award a penalty.

Lionel Messi continues rich form

Messi's goal against Charlotte was his 15th in 16 league appearances this season. His contribution has helped maintain Inter Miami's unbeaten run in Major League Soccer for eight games. A win against Colombus on Wednesday would secure them the top seed for the MLS Cup play-offs.

Messi returned to playing in September after recovering from an ankle injury sustained during Argentina's Copa America final against Colombia. His return has been crucial for Inter Miami as they aim for success in the upcoming play-offs.

Inter head coach Gerardo Martino commented on Messi's fitness, stating that playing full matches will enhance his form.

"Leo is going to get better and better as he plays 90 minutes. Obviously, Leo doesn't need to do separate physical work in training, but he needs competition rhythm," Martino said.

Although it was not the right result for Inter Miami, Messi's antics was not the right advertisement of his image to the footballing world.