Leo Messi was kicked hard on the leg by Lukas MacNaughton during the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League round of 16, which Inter Miami eventually drew 2-2 thanks to two goals from Leo and Luis Suarez.
Canada’s MacNaughton‘s challenge on Messi was not punished with a yellow card by Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava, despite Leo’s pleas for the Nashville player to be penalised.
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The VAR also failed to act on MacNaughton‘s violent challenge on Messi, who smiled wryly and refused to accept the Canadian’s apology.
Fortunately Leo Messi, who was left lying sore on the ground, was able to rejoin the game after being treated.
“Leo finished the game fine, just tired. Fatigue in the back, something that’s normal, but he’s fine,” said coach ‘Tata’ Martino after the game.