"I don't like that" - USMNT legend Landon Donovan hits out at Lionel Messi for behavior after Inter Miami loss to Atlanta
USMNT icon Landon Donovan has slammed Lionel Messi for walking straight down the tunnel instead of acknowledging the Inter Miami faithful following their 3-2 loss to Atlanta United. This occurred during their MLS Cup Eastern Conference Playoffs clash at the Chase Stadium on Saturday, November 9.
Inter Miami were left shellshocked when their season came to an abrupt end. Despite defeating Atlanta 2-1 in their first game in the best-of-three series, the Herons were defeated 2-1 in the second, before being knocked out of the Playoffs with their recent 3-2 loss.
Lionel Messi was evidently frustrated following their defeat as he failed to congratulate the opposition. Moreover, he didn't thank the Inter Miami fans for their support as he immediately stormed down the tunnel in anger.
Donovan made an appearance on the Unfiltered Soccer podcast where he said (via Inter Miami News):
I don’t like that. Just shake their hands and say congratulations. Messi walked right off the field. Maybe in the locker room they came out and said congrats or whatever, and by the way, your fans are out there too, at least congratulate them on a great season and thank them for all the support they’ve had.”
Despite facing an injury-hit season, Lionel Messi had an excellent season for the Herons, scoring 23 goals and providing 13 assists in 25 appearances across competitions. He also won a record-extending 46th career trophy this season, winning the MLS Supporters' Shield.
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Martino had a mixed campaign with the Herons. The 61-year-old followed up with his Leagues Cup win from last season with the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield. His side finished at the summit of the MLS Eastern Conference table with 74 points from 34 games - the highest tally in the league's history.
Unfortunately, Messi and Co. were unable to capitalize on this momentum in other competitions. They exited in the first round of the Playoffs, the Round of 16 in the Leagues Cup, and the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
With reports claiming Lionel Messi could be reunited with Xavi at Inter Miami, the Herons would be bolstered further by his arrival. The Spaniard most recently managed Barcelona between November 2021 and May 2024, helping them win two trophies, including the 2022-23 LaLiga title.