The confrontation happened before the shot. In the match between Inter Miami and Columbus Crew, Lionel Messi had a tense exchange with the assistant referee as he prepared to take a free kick from the right side.
Messi took the shot and scored. After the goal, he turned toward the spot where the assistant referee was standing; a recording from the stands captured the sequence that the broadcast did not show. It was the 76th free kick of the Argentine’s professional career.
The goal made it a temporary tie, but it was not enough to change the outcome: Columbus Crew won 2-1. Messi left the ball in the net and his gaze fixed on the referee; the points, however, stayed with Columbus 🔥