IN Ml Season opener between From Miami and New York City FCThe Lionel Messi Took the center, and not only contributed with two important assists but also became involved in a confrontation with both the referee and a NYC FC assistant after the match. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano addressed the event, claims that the media created one ‘Circus“Around it.
After the 2-2 draw, Messi went directly to Judge Rosendo Mendoza to question why a yellow card was not issued. The heated exchange resulted in Messi being booked. Moment later, in another fiery incident, NYC FC Assistant Coach Mehdi Ballouchy had an oral exchange with Messi. When Messi got to the dressing room he grabbed Ballouchy in his throat.
Mascherano was asked about the situation and defended his star player. “I don’t have much to say. It is difficult when you are on the pitch and things are not going on the right path, especially when you feel the judge made a mistake… in football it is difficult to control feelings“Mascherano explained during a press conference before the upcoming match against Sporting Kansas City.
He further emphasized that the incident had been exploded from proportion. “I also think the press sometimes wants to create a circus around these moments. This happens in every game where there is a discussion with the judge or an opposite player. As we say in Argentina, ‘What happens on the pitch, stays on the pitch. ‘Now we forget it and look forward to the next game. “
Despite the drama, No formal complaints have been made to MLS by Judge Mendoza or Ballouchy regarding Messi’s actions. With only a yellow card issued From MiamiNext league match against Houston Dynamo On Sunday.
See also
Lionel Messis Explosive Night in MLS debut: Confront judges and grabs NYC FC Assistant at the neck
Mascherano discusses the weather for Sporting KC match
Inter Miami will face Sportkan Tomorrow for the second part of the Concacaf Champions Cup first round. The first match, shot due to extreme weather, was played in freezer conditions of -9.4 ° F (-23 ° C)with Messi who makes a memorable goal to give Miami the advantage.
On the question of Tuesday’s weather would play an important role, Mascherano was clear: “We know that rain is predicted for the whole day today and the same for tomorrow. Fortunately, it will not be as cold as in Kansas City. But let’s hope it doesn’t affect us. In the end, our way of playing is the same; We have to try to be the main characters and check the ball. The rest, we try to minimize its influence as much as possible. “
Despite their narrow advantage, Mascherano emphasized that Inter Miami would approach the game as if the first match had never happened. “A 1-0 lead means absolutely nothing. We actually prepared ourselves for the match as if it were 0-0. We cannot afford to speculate, as the problem of speculation is that you have a plan. And what happens if you need to change it?“ Said the coach. “It’s better to have a plan to win, and no matter what happens the plan remains the same, which is to win“Finished the coach.
