Within the MLS season opener between Inter Miami and New York Metropolis FC, Lionel Messi took heart stage, not solely contributing two key assists but in addition changing into embroiled in a confrontation with each the referee and a NYC FC assistant after the match. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano addressed the incident, claiming that the media created a “circus” round it.
Following the 2-2 draw, Messi went straight to referee Rosendo Mendoza to query why a yellow card wasn’t issued. The heated trade resulted in Messi being booked. Moments later, in one other fiery incident, NYC FC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy had a verbal trade with Messi. As Messi made his technique to the locker room, he grabbed Ballouchy by the neck.
Mascherano was requested in regards to the state of affairs and defended his star participant. “I don’t have a lot to say. It’s troublesome once you’re on the pitch and issues aren’t going the proper method, particularly once you really feel the referee made a mistake… In soccer, it’s laborious to regulate feelings,” Mascherano defined throughout a press convention forward of the upcoming match in opposition to Sporting Kansas Metropolis.
He additional emphasised that the incident had been blown out of proportion. “I additionally suppose the press typically desires to create a circus round these moments. This occurs in each sport the place there’s a dialogue with the referee or an opposing participant. As we are saying in Argentina, ‘What occurs on the pitch, stays on the pitch.’ Now, we overlook about it and sit up for the following sport.”
Regardless of the drama, no formal complaints have been made to MLS by referee Mendoza or Ballouchy concerning Messi’s actions. With solely a yellow card issued, the Argentine star might be accessible for Inter Miami’s subsequent league match in opposition to Houston Dynamo on Sunday.
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Lionel Messi’s explosive evening in MLS debut: Confronts referee and grabs NYC FC assistant by the neck
Mascherano discusses climate for Sporting KC match
Inter Miami will face Sporting Kansas Metropolis tomorrow for the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup first spherical. The primary match, postponed because of excessive climate, was performed in freezing situations of -9.4°F (-23°C), with Messi scoring a memorable objective to provide Miami the benefit.
When requested if Tuesday’s climate would play a big function, Mascherano was clear: “We all know that rain is forecasted for the whole day at the moment, and the identical for tomorrow. Fortunately, it gained’t be as chilly as in Kansas Metropolis. However let’s hope it doesn’t have an effect on us. Ultimately, our method of enjoying is identical; we now have to attempt to be the protagonists and management the ball. The remainder, we attempt to reduce its affect as a lot as doable.”
Regardless of their slim benefit, Mascherano pressured that Inter Miami would method the sport as if the primary match had by no means occurred. “A 1-0 lead means completely nothing. In truth, we ready for the match as if it had been 0-0. We are able to’t afford to take a position, as a result of the issue with hypothesis is that you’ve got a plan. And what if you must change it?“ the coach stated. “It’s higher to have a plan to go for the win, and it doesn’t matter what occurs, the plan stays the identical, which is to win,” the coach concluded.
The post Inter Miami boss Mascherano claims press created a ‘circus’ round Lionel Messi’s referee drama first appeared on Foot & Soccer.
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Author : footsoccer
Publish date : 2025-02-25 00:00:17
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