LIONEL MESSI appeared to accidentally hit a toddler with a wayward free-kick while starring for Inter Miami.
The World Cup winner, 35, scored twice as David Beckham’s franchise romped to a 5-0 MLS win over Florida rivals Orlando City.
Luis Suarez also netted a brace in the opening 11 minutes as Miami moved top of the Eastern Conference standings.
But one error from Messi saw a toddler left in tears.
The Argentina legend lined up a free-kick in the hopes of bagging a third goal.
However, Messi’s effort went some way wide of the post.
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And it ended up sailing into the Miami crowd behind the net.
Unfortunately, a toddler with a pacified appeared to be hit by the ball as it sailed into supporters.
Video footage shows the moment Messi sent his effort wide.
And the camera then swings around to show a kid in tears being comforted by two women, one of who is holding the match ball.
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Fans were left bemused by the situation as they reacted online.
One said: “Brave parents there.”
Another joked: “The baby was shouting ‘Ronaldo’ at Messi.”
One noted: “Should probably be holding a kid that small at a game if you’re the parent.”
Another added: “Who was the smart a** who thought allowing infants in that area would be a good idea?”
Messi’s latest strike was his third of the season, and his 14th since joining Miami last year.
He made the move to America after quitting Paris Saint-Germain in June.
Barcelona had hoped to re-sign him but were left high and dry due to financial constraints.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
