LIONEL MESSI crumpled into a heap after being caught by a follow-through during Inter Miami’s MLS clash with Nashville SC.
David Beckham’s MLS franchise travelled to Tennessee for a Concacaf Champions League meeting with their fellow US side.
Nashville went 2-0 up via Jacob Shaffelburg’s double.
Messi, 36, got his side back into the contest by bending home a trademark left-footed shot from the edge of the box in the 52nd minute.
As Inter Miami hunted an equaliser, the former Barcelona star looked to chase down Lukas MacNaughton’s clearance.
After MacNaughton clipped his pass forwards, his follow-through inadvertently caught Messi’s shin.
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No foul was given, although the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was left writhing in agony.
When the ball went out of play, Messi could be seen slapping the floor in frustration.
He subsequently received treatment from medical staff before being able to continue the game.
Messi and Co did then find an equaliser late into stoppage time, with Luis Suarez nodding in from close range to steal a point on the road.
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Despite MacNaughton’s clearance not being a foul, fans were left outraged at the sight of Messi rolling around.
One hysterically claimed: “Players like this one should be banned for 6 months.”
While a second wrote: “Wtf ban the defender.”
A third whinged: “That referee is a clown. How tf is that not a red!!”
And another joked: “You can see the fear in number 3 eyes. He knew he was about to be the most hated guy in football.”
Inter Miami will next be in action on Sunday when they host Montreal Impact in MLS.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
