A bitter match for Leo Messi with Inter Miami against Atlanta United. The Argentine was unable to score, watched as his team dropped two points in the final minutes at their stadium against Atlanta United, and also ended the match visibly angry and arguing with Paraguayan Junior Alonso, to the point that they had to be separated so things would not escalate further.
Inter Miami had taken the lead on two occasions thanks to goals from Casemiro and Luis Suárez, but goals by Almirón and Embolo, from the penalty spot in the 87th minute, frustrated Messi and his teammates in front of their home fans. The Argentine star came close to scoring with an effort off the post and with other chances in the final minutes, but Junior Alonso and Atlanta’s back line made sure to keep the danger at bay.
Video of Lionel Messi training with Diego Maradona resurfaces after his retirement announcement
TThe reasons behind the clash between Messi and Junior Alonso
That tension in the final minutes and the effusiveness of the Paraguayan shouting a defensive play in the Argentine’s face and celebrating Atlanta’s equalizer angered Messi, who confronted him after the final whistle in a tense exchange of words, under the watchful eyes of teammates such as Casemiro or De Paul, keen to prevent a bigger fight.
This is not the first time Messi has ended up heated this season in an MLS match. The previous confrontation was with Quinn Sullivan, a Philadelphia Union player, just a few weeks ago.
