Lionel Messi’s legendary composure snapped in an extraordinary post-match meltdown after Inter Miami’s 3-3 draw with San Jose Earthquakes, with the furious superstar needing physical intervention to avoid ejection.
The usually mild-mannered Argentine exploded at referee Joe Dickerson following Wednesday’s chaotic MLS clash, incensed over a denied free-kick decision in the dying moments. Cameras captured an unprecedented scene as the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner – already booked for dissent – continued his tirade until Dickerson warned: “Do you want me to send you off? Walk away!”
In a remarkable display of sportsmanship, Earthquakes manager Bruce Arena rushed to separate Messi from the official, physically ushering him away from further confrontation. “There’s a universal language when you’re talking about referees – he was obviously not happy,” Arena later explained. “For him to get a red at the end would’ve been ridiculous. I just wanted to get him out of there.”
The outburst marked one of Messi’s most visibly angry moments in his decorated career, compounding frustration for an Inter Miami side that has now dropped five points in two matches. Assistant coach Javier Mascherano – Messi’s longtime international teammate – declined to elaborate on the incident, offering only a terse “no idea” when pressed by reporters.
With Luis Suárez still absent for personal reasons, Miami will hope their captain channels this passion productively when they host Orlando City on Sunday. But Wednesday’s fiery scenes have already cemented this as one of Messi’s most combustible nights in American soccer.