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Published 14:54 IST, August 4th 2023

'Feisty' Lionel Messi involved a heated spat with a Orlando City player in tunnel- WATCH

During halftime, Lionel Messi was observed mouthing a few words to an Orlando player as the two sides made their way to the players' tunnel at DRV PNK Stadium.

Reported by: Aryan Suraj Chadha
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Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi in action against Orlando Citty FC (Image:Twitter/Snip) | Image: self
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Inter Miami faced Orlando City in the League Cup round of 32 in 2023. After a difficult battle, David Beckham's team won and advanced to the Round of 16 of the competition. Lionel Messi put on yet another display of absolute dominance with his new team in the United States. Leo has gone on to score a brace in his last two matches.

3 things you need to know

  • Inter Miami is going to face FC Dallas in the Round of 16 of the Leagues Cup

  • Lionel Messi has scored 5 goals in his last 3 matches for Inter Miami

  • Inter Miami was victorious by 3-1 against Orlando City FC

Also Read: Lionel Messi Goes Into Marvel Superhero Mode In US; After Thor, Brings Out Black Panther

Lionel Messi hit 2 volleys against Orlando FC

Lionel Messi scored his first goal in the opening 7 minutes of the game to give his team the lead. Orlando City FC gained momentum immediately after Messi's goal, equalising in the 17th minute, and the first half concluded in a tie. Inter Miami took control of the game in the second half when Josef Martinez converted a penalty kick to give them a 2-1 lead against Orlando City. Martinez was fouled while advancing on goal by Orlando's Antonio Carlos, who then called a penalty on Martinez. 

Lionel Messi, though, scored in the 72nd minute to make it 3-1 for Inter Miami, demonstrating his prowess once again following a beautiful ball from Robert Taylor to Josef Martinez, who expertly assisted. Messi struck the ball deftly with his right foot, blinding the keeper. 

Also Read: 'He Has Refs In His Pocket': Netizens Not Happy With Lionel Messi Not Getting Red Carded

Messi reacts angrily to an Orlando football player in the players' tunnel

Messi's performance in the physically demanding and heated game demonstrated an unparalleled level of energy and dedication rarely seen by the Argentine superstar. Messi is known for his calm composure on and off the pitch, and the player usually never fights with opponents, but the Florida derby was a little different.   Orlando used Real Madrid’s particular method to stop Messi's offensive strengths, resulting in many fouls against him, as it used to happen during his time at FC Barcelona. While opponents frequently attacked, Messi was seen frustrated during the game. 

A video showed Messi exchanging angry words with Orlando's Felipe Martins, forcing the intervention of Miami forward Leonardo Campana to separate them. The players' anger persisted until the last whistle. Furthermore, during halftime at the DRV PNK Stadium, as both sides were moving towards the tunnel, Messi was seen exchanging words with an Orlando player.

14:48 IST, August 4th 2023