Unlikely saviour rescues Lionel Messi from 'ridiculous' red card as Inter Miami superstar rages at match officials after MLS draw with San Jose Earthquakes

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was in a foul mood after the final whistle blew on an entertaining contest in San Jose. Inter Miami were held to a point after playing out a six-goal thriller with the home field Earthquakes.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!

Stream games now

The Herons led that contest inside the opening 60 seconds, but ended up having to battle back on a couple of occasions to claim a share of the spoils. Messi did not enjoy his most productive evening in California.

The Argentine icon took issue with a tackle just outside the penalty area in stoppage-time, before continuing with his complaints as players made their way off the pitch. He was shown a yellow card for remonstrating with head referee Joe Dickerson - who advised him to "walk away now".

It was at that point former USMNT coach Bruce Arena, who is now in charge of the Earthquakes, stepped in and kept Messi out of trouble. He told reporters afterwards: "He was obviously not happy, and I wanted to make sure he wasn't going to get a red card.

"I just tried to move him out of the way, because for him to get a red card at the end of the game would have been ridiculous. I just wanted to make sure we get him out of there and he's ready to play the next game for Miami."

Inter Miami - who have won just one of their last six fixtures in all competitions, suffering four defeats - will be back in action on Sunday when taking in a derby date with Florida neighbours Orlando City at Chase Stadium.