Inter Miami found themselves at the center of controversy after two penalty appeals were denied in the final moments of their match. The Herons were left frustrated with the referee’s decisions, which culminated in Lionel Messi receiving a yellow card for his post-match comments towards the official.
Penalty Appeals Denied
In the closing stages of the match, Inter Miami were furious after two penalty appeals were waved away. The first incident was subjected to a thorough VAR check, but the referee opted not to award a penalty. The second appeal came after Luis Suarez went down in the box following a clash with opposition goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina. Despite Suarez’s protests, the referee dismissed the calls for a penalty, further frustrating Miami’s players and coaching staff.
Lionel Messi’s Heated Reaction
After the final whistle, Lionel Messi’s emotions boiled over. The Argentina captain was visibly upset with the referee’s handling of the match, especially the denial of the penalties. According to reports from Argentine media, Messi called the referee a “Mean-spirited son of a b*tch” following the game. The official did not take kindly to the comment and immediately showed Messi a yellow card for dissent.
The Aftermath for Inter Miami
Inter Miami’s frustrations were compounded by the refereeing decisions, which they believed cost them valuable points. The team’s protests and Messi’s outburst highlighted the tensions surrounding the officiating during the match. Despite the controversy, the result stood, leaving the Herons with a bitter taste from the encounter.
Inter Miami were left frustrated after their late penalty shouts were denied, sparking a heated exchange between Lionel Messi and the referee. With emotions running high, the match ended in controversy, and Messi’s post-match comments earned him a yellow card, adding another layer to the drama.