WHAT HAPPENED? The Argentine icon was in Leagues Cup action once again on Wednesday when facing Florida neighbours Orlando City. Messi bagged a brace in that contest, as he helped his side to a 3-1 win and a place in the last-16, but tempers threatened to boil over at times in a heated derby at DRV PNK Stadium. Messi was the first player into the book following a clumsy challenge in the 20th minute, and he could have collected a second yellow and subsequent red after shoulder-charging Cesar Araujo in first-half stoppage time.
WHAT THEY SAID: Orlando coach Oscar Pareja was left less than impressed by the officiating and supposed preferential treatment for the all-time great on show. He told reporters afterwards: “Tonight was a circus. There was a second yellow on Messi [that wasn’t given]. I don’t care if he’s Messi.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: The Colombian added, with some big penalty shouts from his side also being waved away: “The penalty kick calls and others, they were ridiculous. We were very frustrated and tried to regain our composure. There were some circumstances in this game that shouldn’t happen.”
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WHAT NEXT? Messi has become a star attraction in the United States, with A-list guests flocking to see him in action, and the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has now netted five goals through his opening three appearances for David Beckham co-owned Inter Miami.