Lionel Messi accused of calling MLS referee a 'son of a b*tch' as Inter Miami star erupts with rage after late controversy in draw with Charlotte FC

Per Ole, 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.

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.

Despite the later controversies, the 37-year-old came to Inter Miami's rescue in the second half as he scored the equaliser in the 67th minute to secure a crucial point for his side in the MLS clash against Charlotte FC. Miami currently stand at the top of the Eastern Conference table, eight points above second-placed Columbus Crew.

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.