Former USA international Alexi Lalas has criticized Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi for aggressively confronting referee Tim Ford following his team’s recent 3-3 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes in an MLS encounter.
During the match at PayPal Stadium, Messi made a brilliant last-ditch run in the 93rd minute but appeared to be fouled just outside the box after Daniel Munie’s sliding tackle.
The Argentine forward immediately demanded a free kick, only to be denied by referee Tim Ford.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was visibly displeased after the final whistle, confronting Ford over his on-field decisions.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star had to be restrained by San Jose Earthquakes manager Bruce Arena after Ford reportedly threatened to send him off.
However, Lalas was not impressed with Messi’s actions.
Speaking during an episode of his State of the Union podcast (via GOAL), he said:
“Yeah, the postgame shenanigans, I thought Bruce Arena handled it well. I mean, he is the home coach. It is his stadium. Obviously, he is a legend.
“I thought it was a bad look for Messi, to be quite honest with you.
“And I loved the way that game was refereed. I loved that at times the referee was saying, ‘No, you get up. I don’t care that you are Messi.’
“You have plenty of deference. You are given the benefit of the doubt. I am talking to Messi time and time again on the field.”
Messi joined Inter Miami a few years ago after leaving PSG as a free agent.