Inter Miami: Lionel Messi Receives First Yellow Card in Miami, Gets Heated With Orlando City Opponent

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - Lionel Messi (#10) of Inter Miami CF reacts after being given a yellow card in the first half during the Leagues Cup 2023 Round of 32 match between Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo : Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi received his first booking wearing the pink shirt of the American club.

The Argentine received a yellow card following a harsh tackle on Orlando midfielder Wilder Cartagena. Before the tackle, the Peruvian committed a hard foul on Messi, which seemingly irked the World Cup winner.

Messi also got heated with Uruguayan defender Cesar Araujo, who was trying to get under the skin of the former Barcelona forward by instilling a physical way of defending. Messi shoved Araujo, which caused the defender to fall on the grass.

The two had a verbal exchange as both teams went to the tunnel for halftime, and players had to separate the two.

Read more: Barca Boss Xavi Uses Neymar To Convince Ousmane Dembele To Stay Amid PSG Agreement

Lionel Messi still dazzles despite heated moments

The 36-year-old still put on a show for the fans at DRV PNK Stadium, even with defenders trying to get the best of him.

Messi needed less than seven minutes to put Miami on the board, scoring a chip off a dish from midfielder Robert Taylor, with whom he has formed formidable chemistry.

The world's greatest player scored his second goal of the night during the 71st minute, giving Miami enough cushion to come away with the 3-1 win in the Leagues Cup fixture over Orlando City SC.

Messi has now scored his fifth goal in three games for Inter Miami. He could seriously challenge to be the club's all-time top scorer within the year if he keeps up this pace.

Gonzalo Higuain currently holds the club's all-time scoring record with 29 goals.

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