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MLS, Fussball Herren, USA Leagues Cup-Cruz Azul at Inter Miami CF Jul 21, 2023 Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi 10 looks on against Cruz Azul during the second half at DRV PNK Stadium. Fort Lauderdale DRV PNK Stadium FL USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xSamxNavarrox 20230721_jcd_na2_0145
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1032214029.jpg)
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MLS, Fussball Herren, USA Leagues Cup-Cruz Azul at Inter Miami CF Jul 21, 2023 Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi 10 looks on against Cruz Azul during the second half at DRV PNK Stadium. Fort Lauderdale DRV PNK Stadium FL USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xSamxNavarrox 20230721_jcd_na2_0145
Lionel Messi had yet another outstanding outing for Inter Miami in his recent appearance. Facing Orlando City in the Leagues Cup Round of 32, La Pulga scored a brace guiding his team to a 3-1 win.
However, the win came with its own fair share of controversies. While some fans were happy with Lionel Messi’s performance, others claimed that the referees were biased throughout the game. Following the defeat, Orlando City’s coach spoke to the press where he slammed the match officials for the result.
Why Messi should have been sent off
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While Lionel Messi started things off hot scoring in the opening minutes of the game, the Argentine was booked for a rash tackle in the 20th minute. Following the yellow card, Messi made another challenge in the closing minutes of the first half.
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MLS, Fussball Herren, USA Leagues Cup-Orlando City SC at Inter Miami CF Aug 2, 2023 Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi 10 celebrates after scoring a goal against Orlando City SC during the first half at DRV PNK Stadium. Fort Lauderdale DRV PNK Stadium FL USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xNathanxRayxSeebeckx 20230802_ojr_fo8_062
“Tonight was a circus. There was a second yellow on Messi [that wasn’t given]. I don’t care if he’s Messi. The penalty kick calls and others were ridiculous. We were very frustrated and tried to regain our composure. There were some circumstances in this game that shouldn’t happen.”
Despite the drama surrounding the game, Lionel Messi and his side have now completed a hat trick of wins following La Pulga’s arrival. Messi has been unbeaten in the MLS and will surely be eyeing to continue the red-hot run.
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Lionel Messi looking to clinch Leagues Cup with Inter Miami
Following another big win in the ongoing tournament, Lionel Messi and his men will now face FC Dallas in the Round of 16. With momentum behind Inter Miami, the team appear like strong favorites to win the game.
If La Pulga can continue delivering at the top of his game in upcoming matches, Inter Miami could possibly bag their first title following Messi’s arrival. The team has played a really good attacking brand of soccer in the past three games, but it looks like Miami will have to work on their defense.
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What are your thoughts regarding the same? Let us know in the comments section.
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