“Messi ain’t reaching 900 goals”, “Worst game from him” - Fans hit out at Lionel Messi after he fails to shine for Inter Miami in 1-1 draw
Fans have criticized Lionel Messi on X after the Argentine ace had a poor performance for Inter Miami in their 1-1 draw against New York City. The two MLS sides faced each other at the Yankee Stadium on Saturday, September 21.
New York started the game well with Santiago Rodriguez hitting the post in the ninth minute. The hosts had several big chances shortly after the break but failed to find the back of the net. Inter Miami scored against the run of play in the 75th minute via Leonardo Campana's strike. James Sands then scored his first MLS goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time to make it 1-1.
Lionel Messi returned to the starting XI for the Herons, playing all 90 minutes against New York. However, the 37-year-old was given a low rating of 5.8 for his performance by FotMob. He created zero chances, landed zero shots on target from one attempt, lost nine duels, and completed zero crosses.
One fan slammed Messi for his performance, claiming he would not reach 900 senior career goals:
"Sorry but Messi ain't reaching the landmark 900 goals now. He isn't passionate about the gane anymore, don't think it's the lack of confidence but the game doesn't run through his veins like it used to. As a big Messi fan I am, I am hurt too, but it's the truth."
One fan commented:
"Deserved. Worst game from Messi ever."
Check out how other fans reacted below:
"Messi carrying Inter Miami is the biggest lie I have ever heard," one fan typed
"Messi is ghost," one declared
"Messi is one of the goats but there is only one james sands," another added
"Messi choking in baseball stadium," one fan tweeted
"Miami carrying Messi as always," another chimed in
"You just witnessed one of Messi’s worst ever games in his entire career," one fan admitted
How has Lionel Messi fared for Inter Miami this season?
Lionel Messi failed to make much of an impact for Inter Miami as they were held to a 1-1 draw by New York City. However, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has been in form this season, garnering 16 goals and 12 assists in 18 appearances across all competitions.
Unfortunately, the Argentine's season has been hampered by injuries, as well as his commitments to the Argentina national team. He won the 2024 Copa America with La Albiceleste in July - missing five games for the Herons in the process. Messi has missed eight games due to an ankle ligament injury andfour other games due to a hamstring issue.
Lionel Messi and Co. are currently at the summit of the MLS Eastern Conference with 64 points from 30 games. They sit nine points ahead of second-placed Cincinnati, who have a game in hand.