Pedro Santos torn apart for 'embarrassing' Lionel Messi interaction as MLS fans claim Inter Miami 'would lose a lot more games' if opposition players stopped gushing over Argentine superstar

The D.C. United defender found himself in direct competition with eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi during a rain-soaked fixture at Chase Stadium in Florida. The Herons ran out 1-0 winners on the day, with Leonardo Campana stepping off the bench to settle the tie deep into stoppage-time.

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As is often the case, Messi fielded shirt swap requests at the final whistle. Portuguese star Santos was the man to win that race, with the all-time great handing over his sodden jersey in the tunnel. Santos was delighted to land himself a much sought-after memento, but fans around the world have been left asking “when will this end? Your team just lost!”

One unimpressed follower on X, @musaseka17, said: “This is embarrassing. Messi didn't even ask for his jersey. When you see there is a genuine exchange, Messi takes their jersey.” Another, @superpete13, responded by saying: “If the opposition treated him as they should Miami would lose a lot more games.” Not everybody shares that opinion, though, with @Tim_Chase7 claiming: “Is it shameless? Sure. But how many opportunities does any player have to play against and possibly get the jersey of the best player ever? Especially mid level players. They’re capitalizing”. That view was supported by a fan that said: “Shirt swap is a part of football, it will never end yes the team lost but to meet Messi and swap shirts with the greatest player in football history is a bigger honor.”

Messi remains the star attraction in MLS and will continue to pass over his shirt on a regular basis to opponents that want their own Inter Miami No.10 jersey. A trip to Vancouver is next on the agenda for the Argentine icon.