WATCH: Lionel Messi helps young fan get selfie on the pitch before pushing him away from security
Lionel Messi clicked a selfie with a lucky fan during Inter Miami's league game against Charlotte FC on Saturday (September 28) at Chase Stadium. The Argentine bagged his 15th goal of this season's MLS to help the Herons muster a 1-1 stalemate against the visitors.
Despite Inter Miami having more possession (61%), Charlotte FC started the scoring courtesy of a last-minute deflection off Karol Swiderski (57'). Lionel Messi balanced the scores within 10 minutes when he found the back of the net with a left-footed curler from the edge of the penalty area (67').
During the game, a young fan hoodwinked the stadium security and ran towards Messi on the pitch. The Argentine spotted him early, posed to click a selfie with him, and pushed him away from the incoming security guards.
Unfortunately, the guards caught him near the corner flag and escorted the fan away from the field. Watch the video below:
Saturday's game was Inter Miami's third consecutive draw in the MLS. With 65 points from 31 games, the Herons still need eight more in three league games to match New England's record for the most points in a single MLS season. They got to 73 points by the end of the 2021 season.
Lionel Messi accused of calling the referee "son of a b*tch" during Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC game
According to a report by Ole, Lionel Messi hurled profanities at the referee during the dying moments of Inter Miami's game against Charlotte FC. After equalizing in the 67th minute, the Herons started an onslaught of attacks in the hope of converting one point into three.
Things started to heat up after they were denied a penalty during the final minutes of the game. Three former Barcelona stars combined to almost score Inter Miami's second goal at the death.
Lionel Messi lofted the ball to Jordi Alba, who headed the ball towards Luis Suarez. However, the Uruguayan striker fired the ball over the net before a collision with Charlotte FC goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina. Although the entire Inter Miami team went up to appeal for a penalty, the referee felt otherwise.
Lionel Messi didn't hide his irritation and was seen berating the referee and his assistants.
"‘You’re a mean-spirited son of a b***h," said Lionel Messi to the referee (as per Ole).
The Argentine was handed a yellow card for his reaction but avoided further punishment despite swearing at the match official.