Messi League Soccer! Inter Miami superstar Lionel target of ironic joke as journalist teases Argentine for needing ‘a red card and seven added minutes’ to score in LA Galaxy draw

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi was on target for the Herons in their latest outing against the LA Galaxy. He grabbed a dramatic 92nd-minute equaliser in that contest, with a decisive contribution finally made in front of a star-studded crowd in California.

Messi’s goal did, however, arrive in seven minutes of stoppage-time and with the Galaxy having been reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Marco Delgado. ESPN journalist Alvaro Morales has used those factors to poke fun at the supposed GOAT of world football.

Morales delivered a joke at Messi’s expense on social media, claiming the biggest star in MLS was handed a gift-wrapped opportunity to impress. He wrote on Instagram: “There it is: only with a Galaxy red card and seven extra minutes could Messi score. Just like that! Messi League Soccer. You were warned.”

While Morales’ words were said in jest, it does raise questions that have already been asked in the U.S. It has been suggested that MLS is placing too much emphasis on the presence of Messi in Miami, while ignoring the other teams and players under its umbrella.