Lionel Messi found himself at the center of controversy during Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw against New York City FC in their Major League Soccer season opener. The Argentine superstar, who played a crucial role in salvaging a point for his team, was visibly frustrated after the match.
As he walked off the pitch, Messi engaged in a heated exchange with the referee, which resulted in him receiving a yellow card. His frustration didn’t stop there he also confronted Nehdi Ballouchy, New York’s former MLS star assistant. It appeared at one stage as though Messi had made his point and was prepared to walk away, but he then put his hands on Ballouchy’s neck for several seconds – generating a bemused look from the coach. The video of the intense moment that quickly went viral on social media.
Inter Mami salvage draw against New York FC
Miami, which broke the regular season points record last year before crashing out in the first round of the playoffs, played the bulk of the match with 10 men after Argentine defender Tomas Aviles was sent off.
Messi provided the assists for both Miami’s goals, including the equaliser, which came in the 10th minute of stoppage time.
Just five minutes in, Jordi Alba, set up Tomas Avilés for an early goal with a perfectly executed pass However, Miami struggled with an inexperienced defense and limited service to star attackers, including Messi and Luis Suárez.
Playing under new coach Javier Mascherano, the team showed signs of disorganization, especially after Avilés was sent off after bringing down Alonso Martinez on the edge of the box to received a straight red card. Slovenian Mitja Ilenic levelled the score. Alonso Martinbez then gave New York City FC the lead, before Messi provided a perfectly weighted pass to Telasco Segovia for the goal which save the match.
