Opponents want the referee to give Messi a red card.

VnExpress•04/08/2023

According to Orlando City manager Oscar Pareja, the referee was biased in not issuing a second yellow card and sending off Lionel Messi in the match against Inter Miami in the Round of 16 of the 2023 League Cup.

In the 16th minute of the match on August 3rd, referee Ivan Barton blew the whistle for a foul against Wilder Cartagena, prompting a reaction from the Orlando City player. At the same time, Messi shoved Cartagena to quickly retrieve the ball, creating the first altercation.

Messi shoves Wilder Cartagena — Messi shoved Cartagena.

A few minutes later, the Argentinian star swept off his opponent and received his first yellow card while playing for Inter Miami.

Messi receives his first yellow card at Inter Miami. — Messi received his first yellow card at Inter Miami.

Towards the end of the first half, Messi pushed Cesar Araujo to the ground during an off-ball challenge, but no foul was called. Araujo immediately chased after him and fouled Messi, causing the 2022 World Cup champion to lose his temper and demand a yellow card from the referee. The two players continued to clash in the tunnel during halftime.

Messi demanded the referee give Cartagena a yellow card. — Messi pushed Cartagena down during an off-ball challenge.

Therefore, in the post-match press conference, coach Pareja criticized the referee for showing favoritism by not giving Messi a second yellow card. "I don't care whether it was Messi or not, because the referee must be fair to all players. Everything must be fair, and that's not what happens on the field," the Colombian coach emphasized.

The Orlando City manager was also upset with the decision to award Inter Miami a penalty in the 48th minute, when the score was 1-1. Striker Josef Martinez entered the penalty area and fell despite not receiving any clear contact from center-back Antonio Carlos. Orlando City players reacted angrily to the referee, but VAR did not intervene. From the penalty spot, Martinez shot low into the left corner, contrary to the Orlando City goalkeeper's prediction, making the score 2-1.

"We didn't deserve that penalty. That decision was biased and we are very disappointed. It was a clear dive. A few years ago, they didn't have VAR to assist the referee. But in that situation, VAR didn't even get involved," Pareja added, going on to criticize the referee for turning the match into a "circus."

Coach Pareja during the loss to Inter Miami.

In this match, Messi continued to shine with a brace. In the 7th minute, Robert Taylor chipped the ball into the penalty area, and the Argentinian star controlled it with his chest before volleying it with his left foot to open the scoring. Messi's second goal came in the 72nd minute, with a one-touch shot with his right foot, sealing a 3-1 victory.

After a streak of 11 consecutive draws and losses, Inter Miami won their last three matches thanks to Messi's brilliance. Coach Pareja acknowledged that Inter Miami has improved in quality with stars like Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, but reiterated his view that Orlando City's defeat was due to unfair referee decisions.