There's no question that Lionel Messi's decision to move to Inter Miami was a godsend not only for the club David Beckham owns, but for Major League Soccer as a whole. Messi will draw viewers like no other player, and even at 36 years old, Messi's technical ability also helps elevate the league's quality, which could, perhaps, encourage other football stars to ply their trade in the United States. But don't tell that to Messi's opponents in the league, who are beginning to grow frustrated with what they perceive to be special treatment for the Argentinian star.

Following their 3-1 loss to Inter Miami on Wednesday night, Orlando City manager Oscar Pareja expressed his frustration over what he thinks was a favorable whistle for Messi's side. Pareja called out the referee for letting the game get out of hand, with Messi getting away with a blatant shoulder barge on Cesar Araujo.

“Tonight was a circus. There was a second yellow on Messi [that wasn't given]. I don't care if he's Messi,” Pareja said, per Ross Davenport of ESPN.

Lionel Messi already had a yellow card prior to his shoulder charge for a late tackle on Orlando City's Wilder Cartagena. But instead of a second yellow and sending off for the Inter Miami star, the referee instead gave a yellow card to Orlando City defender Kyle Smith in the aftermath of the fracas.

Article Continues Below
Related Soccer News
Al Nassr player Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after being substituted in a Saudi Pro League soccer match at King Abdullah Sports City.
Cristiano Ronaldo teases departure after end of Saudi seasonQuinn Allen ·
Emergency services at the scene after multiple people were hit by a car during the Liverpool football club victory parade.
LeBron James reacts to man ramming fans with car at Liverpool victory paradeJason Patt ·
Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda (22) shoots past Utah Royals FC midfielder Claudia Zornoza (10) during the second half at America First Field.
Watch this Pride player net the fastest hat trick in NWSL historyMiguel La Torre ·
The Arsenal FC starting eleven pose for a picture prior to their friendly against Washington Spirit at Audi Field.
Arsenal make history with shocking championship upset over BarcelonaMiguel La Torre ·
Jul 6, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; The NWSL logo is seen before a match between the Orlando Pride and the Kansas City Current at CPKC Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images
Boston Legacy FC lock down club’s 1st coachZachary Draves ·
A general overview of the game field with the Pat Patriot throwback logo at Gillette Stadium prior to a game against the Indianapolis Colts.
NWSL expansion team Boston Legacy unveil Gillette Stadium plansMiguel La Torre ·

Beyond this point of contention, Oscar Pareja also decried the referee's decision to give Inter Miami a penalty early on in the second half. Pareja thought that Josef Martinez fell down way too easily on the play and he shouldn't have been given the opportunity to take the lead from the spot.

“The PK calls and others, they were ridiculous. We were very frustrated and tried to regain our composure. There were some circumstances in this game that shouldn't happen,” Pareja added.

Whatever the case may be on the officiating front, Pareja and the rest of the Orlando City SC will have to move on from their exit from the Leagues Cup at the hands of Inter Miami — as heartbreaking as their defeat to Lionel Messi and company may have been.

Subscribe now to MLS Season Pass and watch every match including the playoffs on Apple TV.