Lionel Messi: 5 Times Inter Miami Star Fought Opponents After Tunnel Exchange With Araujo

• Lionel Messi scored twice to help Inter Miami beat Orlando City in the Leagues Cup
• The win helped Miami beat their state rivals and head into the round of 16 of the cup competition
• Messi showed his 'other' side by getting into an altercation with Orlando players at half-time

The honeymoon is gradually ending for Lionel Messi in terms of reception from opponents as he was involved in a half-time tunnel altercation with Orlando City players.

Messi scored twice in the 3-1 win over Inter Miami's state rivals to ease into the round of 16 of the Leagues Cup, in which they will play FC Dallas on Saturday.

As reported by The Athletic, Messi shoved defender Cesar Araujo before he was double-teamed, which earned Kyle Smith a yellow card. Araujo and Messi clashed earlier, which resulted in a yellow card for the Argentine. The incidents led to a tunnel melee at half-time.

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Sports Brief looks at five times Messi clashed with opponents, especially during his days at Barcelona.

1. Arm swing at Villalibre

After playing 752 games without being sent off for Barcelona, BBC Sport reported that Messi received his marching orders in the 2021 Spanish Super Cup final against Athletic Bilbao for swinging his arm at Asier Villalibre in the closing seconds of extra time with the score at 3-2.

2. Messi headbutts Yanga-Mbiwa

Messi clashed with Roma defender, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa during a pre-season friendly in 2015. He headbutted the defender before grabbing him by the throat. He received only a yellow card for the incident.

3. Retaliation at Diego Carlos

The former Barcelona captain retaliated after grabbing Sevilla defender, Diego Carlos after the Brazilian left him with a deep scar from a reckless challenge. He grabbed his neck and pushed him, and the defender fell too cheaply.

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4. Headlock with João Felix

The Spanish Super Cup appears to be Messi's weakness. In the 2020 semi-final, he had a headlock with Atletico Madrid's João Felix, and teammates had to intervene before it got out of hand. Diego Simeone's men eliminated Barca.

5. Refusing Ramos's hand

Sergio Ramos is reputable for being a rough defender. He launched an elbow that caught Messi in the face during an El Clasico match in 2019. The defender extended his hands to lift him but he refused, and the referee had to intervene early to avoid escalation.

Alba reunites with Messi

Sports Brief reported that Jordi Alba was elated to make his Inter Miami debut against Orlando City SC and reunite with Messi and Sergio Busquets.

Alba left Barcelona after 11 years and turned down several lucrative offers to team up with his former mates in the MLS. He came off the bench for his first game.