New Delhi: The final whistle of Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw with New York City FC sparked a fiery exchange as Lionel Messi was seen involved in a furious altercation with referee Alexis Da Silva. Miami’s captain was visibly unhappy with some of the decisions during the match.
Messi helped Miami secure a point in the opening game but he had a heated argument with the referee Da Silva at full time for which he was awarded a yellow card. Messi was also seen engaging with an assistant before ultimately leaving the pitch.
🚨 Lionel Messi ended up furious with the referee after the controversial Inter Miami vs. New York match, which ended 2-2.
The Herons had to play over an hour with one player less.#MLS #Messi pic.twitter.com/wSGhtrZuuA
— MARCA in English 🇺🇸 (@MARCAinENGLISH) February 23, 2025
Messi’s crucial assists and controversial non-red card decision
Miami took advantage in the fifth minute of the game after Messi played the role of provider as Tomas Aviles scored the opening goal. However, things went on to downfall for Miami as Aviles was sent off in the 23rd minute. The Heroes were left down to 10 men and just three minutes after NYFC scored from the free kick through Mitja Ilenic to get back in the match.
The referee didn’t send Strahinja Tanasijevic when he bought down Luis Suarez in the first half injury time. The Serbian was already on a yellow card but the referee only handed Miami a free kick. Messi was unimpressed by the referee’s call.
New York City went on to take the lead in the 55th minute via Alonso Marinez’s strike. However, La Pulga took charge and helped his side get back into the game, assisting Telasco Segovia in the 10-minute injury time to score an equaliser.
Lionel Messi sets MLS assist record
In the process the Argentine maestro scripted history as he became the fastest player to score 40 goals in the history of the Major Soccer League (MLS). The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner achieved the feat in just 26 matches registering 21 goals and 19 assists.
By assisting on @InterMiamiCF‘s opening goal of the season, Lionel Messi became the fastest player in @MLS history to reach 40 career goal contributions (21 goals, 19 assists), doing so in just 26 matches. pic.twitter.com/AWBvYMrGnn
— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) February 23, 2025
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So far Messi has scored 35 goals and 20 assists in 41 appearances across competition for Inter Miami. The 37-year-old played a crucial role in their Supportrs’ Shield winning run last season helping them claim 22 wins in 34 games.
Lionel Messi clashed with referee Alexis Da Silva after Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw vs New York City FC, earning a yellow card. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
