Lionel Messi demonstrated his protective instincts towards his 19-year-old Inter Miami teammate, Noah Allen, during a match against Philadelphia Union. Inter Miami won the game 4-1 and advanced to the Leagues Cup final against Nashville.
During the match, Philadelphia Union’s Jose Andres Martinez engaged in aggressive behavior towards Allen, which clearly angered Messi. Martinez kicked through Allen after he fell to the ground following a challenge, and he also slapped Allen’s hand away after a slight push. Messi, known for his leadership and passion, confronted Martinez and exchanged words, expressing his displeasure with the conduct.
It’s reported that Messi said to Martinez, “How are you going to kick him to the ground like that?” The referee intervened to prevent the situation from escalating further. Messi’s strong leadership and determination have been evident during his time with Inter Miami, where he has displayed a level of fire and passion not often seen during his time at Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi’s influence on Inter Miami has been transformative, and he will be participating in his 42nd career final during the Leagues Cup final. Despite their current standing in the MLS, Inter Miami is set to compete in the CONCACAF Champions Cup competition next season regardless of the final result.
Lionel Messi protected 19-year-old teammate after Philadelphia Union player targeted him
Featured Image Credit: MLS
Lionel Messi fumed at a Philadelphia Union player after taking issue with what he did to 19-year-old Inter Miami teammate Noah Allen.
Inter won 4-1 away from home to reach Sunday’s Leagues Cup final, where they will take on Nashville.
Messi scored his ninth goal in six games for Inter in the tournament, while Josef Martinez, Jordi Alba and David Ruiz were also on the scoresheet.
Alejandro Bedoya bagged a consolation for Union but his colleague Jose Andres Martinez felt the wrath of Messi in the second half.
With the score 4-1 in the 80th minute, the Venezuelan cut a frustrated figure and when Allen fell to the floor under his challenge, he stood over him and kicked through him to try and get the ball.
Image: Getty
The midfielder also slapped Allen’s hand away after he gave him a slight push. Messi did not like the 29-year-old’s conduct one bit and footage showed the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner getting in the face of Martinez and confronting him.
He gave the death stare and was seen exchanging some choice words which may well have been expletive-filled insults in Spanish.
It has been said that Messi said to Martinez, “How are you going to kick him to the ground like that?”. The referee soon got involved and ensured that tempers didn’t fully boil over.
Messi’s leadership and passion has been on full display across the pond and he even had a heated spat with a Orlando City’s Cesar Araujo in the tunnel earlier this month.
The 36-year-old has shown a kind of fire that we did not see in his time at Paris Saint-Germain, as evidenced in an altercation with Felipe Martins on the pitch.
Messi’s effect on Inter has been transformative and he will contest the 42nd final of his career this weekend.
Image: Getty
Still bottom in the MLS as it stands, Gerard Martino’s side are guaranteed to be play in the CONCACAF Champions Cup competition next season no matter what the result is.
