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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="footballco-bet-betsense">{"type":"footballco-bet-betsense","data":{}}</script><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_d6e1e5da-7d9a-43d5-97e1-f4350a3cd7e3"}}</script><ul><li>Messi lost his cool at full-time</li><li>Allegedly insulted referee</li><li>Inter Miami hold Charlotte to a 1-1 draw</li></ul><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱

Lionel Messi accused of insulting MLS referee as Inter Miami star angered after late controversy in draw with Charlotte FC

<p>Per <a href="https://www.ole.com.ar/messi/messi-insulto-arbitro-inter-charlotte-mls_0_aXvEphRGT3.html" target="_blank">Ole</a>, the Herons were furious with the referee for denying them two penalties in the dying moments of the match. In the first instance, the penalty shout was declined after a thorough VAR check while the second one saw Luis Suarez's protests waved away after he went down inside the opponent's box due to a clash with the opposition goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>According to the Argentine newspaper, after the full-time whistle, Messi called the referee a "Mean-spirited son of a b*tch". The official did not take the insult lightly as he immediately showed the Argentina captain a yellow card.</p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ar" dir="rtl">الحكم يشهر البطاقة الصفراء للاسطورة 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬 <a href="https://t.co/BL3eSRt2Tp">pic.twitter.com/BL3eSRt2Tp</a></p>— Messi World (@M10GOAT) <a href="https://twitter.com/M10GOAT/status/1840205000074498514?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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WHAT LIONEL MESSI SAID

<p>Despite the later controversies, the 37-year-old came to Inter Miami's rescue in the second half as he <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/lionel-messi-marvel-inspired-celebration-inter-miami-mls-draw-charlotte-fc/bltc96dc025781a1fe5" target="_blank">scored the equaliser in the 67th minute</a> to secure a crucial point for his side in the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/inter-miami-charlotte-fc-lionel-messi-the-herons-ratings/blt9f6d7cceb0ca43d7" target="_blank">MLS clash against Charlotte FC</a>. Miami currently stand at the top of the Eastern Conference table, eight points above second-placed Columbus Crew.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Tata Martino's side will aim to extend their lead at the top of the table on Thursday as they face Columbus in MLS away from home.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

Lionel Messi accused of insulting MLS referee as Inter Miami star angered after late controversy in draw with Charlotte FC | Goal.com US

Lionel Messi has been accused of firing an insult at the referee during Inter Miami&apos;s MLS clash against Charlotte FC on Saturday.