Lionel Messi grabs Atlas FC star by the neck as video of heated clash after Inter Miami’s 2-1 win in Leagues Cup emerges

Lionel Messi was involved in a clash with Atlas FC's Gustavo Ferrareis at the end of Inter Miami's 2-1 Leagues Cup win on Wednesday, July 30. The Argentinean maestro returned to the starting XI for the tie after missing the 0-0 draw against Cincinnati due to a ban.

La Pulga was penalized after missing the MLS All-Star game last week even though he was selected in the team. League rules state that any player who does not appear in the game despite being selected can face a one-game ban unless they have a valid medical reason.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, as such, watched from the sidelines as the Herons lacked inspiration against Cincinnati in the MLS over the weekend. Back in the team for the Leagues' Cup group stage tie on Wednesday, Lionel Messi was determined to make amends.

La Pulga set up Telasco Segovia in the 57th minute to give Inter Miami the lead. However, Atlas FC equalized through Rivaldo Lozano in the 80th minute.

When it looked like the Herons were set for another draw, up stepped the 38-year-old. The Argentinean set up Marcelo Weigandt to score in the sixth minute of second half injury time to snatch away a win.

At the end of the game, Gustavo Ferrareis was engaged in conversation with a few Inter Miami players when Lionel Messi stepped up and grabbed his neck. However, their teammates stepped in before the matter could escalate.

It is unclear if the Argentinean will face further punishment for his actions.

What did Lionel Messi say after Inter Miami's win?

Lionel Messi expressed his satisfaction following Inter Miami's win over Atlas FC in the Leagues Cup. The Argentinean maestro has been outstanding for the Herons this season, and now has 24 goals and 10 assists from 30 games.

However, speaking after the game, Messi insisted that missing the previous game affected him in the first half.

"The truth is that it was difficult with the heat, and not having played the other day. Even if [the rest] seems better, for me it's worse because I need to compete. I feel good physically the more matches I play and get into rhythm. The other day they didn't let me compete, and I felt it in the first half, but the important thing is that we won," said Messi.

Inter Miami next face Necaxa in the Leagues Cup group stages on Saturday, August 2, at home.

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Edited by Deepungsu Pandit