'He's clearly mad' - Lionel Messi snub claims addressed by LA Galaxy defender Eriq Zavaleta with Inter Miami superstar said to have reacted furiously to shirt-swap request

Messi bagged a late equalizer as Inter Miami drew 1-1 with the LA Galaxy last time out in MLS. Footage emerged after the match of Messi, which some social media users claimed showed the Inter Miami superstar snubbing Zavaleta and refusing a request to swap shirts after the final whistle.

However, the LA Galaxy defender has been quick to respond to the criticism of Messi and set the record straight in a post on social media. He replied to the video footage and a fan asking when he asked for Messi's shirt with a post that read: "I never spoke to him lol. He’s clearly mad at the refs but agendas…."

Messi may not have clashed with Zavaleta but he did join in a heated exchange between Edwin Cerillo and Luis Suarez. Cerillo has insisted he won't reveal exactly what Messi said to him but did say he thought the Inter Miami superstar "wanted to get into my head."

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Messi's shirt was instead taken home by Zavaleta's Galaxy team-mate Diego Fagundez. The 29-year-old showed off the iconic No. 10 jersey after the game.

Messi and Miami have a derby date against Florida neighbours Orlando City next. The two teams meet at Chase Stadium on Saturday, March 4.