Football fans have hit out at a challenge Lionel Messi received during Inter Miami's clash with Nashville on Thursday.
The Argentine superstar has enjoyed a stunning start to his first full season with the MLS outfit, netting three times in three league games in the build-up to the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup last-16 encounter last night.
But, the David Beckham-owned outfit endured a disastrous start as they went 2-0 down to Nashville before Messi pulled one back with a stunning goal after an assist from his former Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez.
However, in the 78th minute, as Nashville defender Lukas MacNaughton attempted to clear the ball, he followed through and caught Messi with his studs above the shin in what was an extremely ugly challenge.
The Argentine - who was furious with the tackle - was left squirming on the floor in pain after his leg seemingly buckled, before he was attended to by Inter Miami's medical staff.
However, MacNaughton wasn't even booked by the referee and Messi recovered to carry on for the rest of the game, with the Argentine having the last laugh when Suarez equalised in the fifth minute of added time.
And, as footage of the challenge circulated on social media, fans were quick to hit out at MacNaughton, while they also hailed Messi for his ability to withstand the rough treatment he often receives.
One said: 'What are Messi’s feet made of? This guy has endured so insane tackles throughout his career.'
Another added: 'I actually don't know how does he survive these tackles?', before a further shocked fan said: 'He got back up after two mins and continued. Just GOAT stuff.'
Others were relieved Messi was able to continue, with worries raised that the nasty tackle could've brought a curtain down on the 36-year-old's career.
A further fan quipped: 'This tackle on Lionel Messi would have ended the career of ordinary players but not THE GOAT. Unto to the next.'
Meanwhile, one described Messi as 'a freak of nature', with an extra supporter weighing in on the debate as they said: 'He almost ended football. We were going to be left watching soccer.'
The 2-2 draw means next week's return leg in Florida is set to be a blockbuster showdown as both teams look to reach the quarter-finals of the competition.
Before then, Inter Miami - who sit top of the MLS Eastern Conference after three games - host Montreal on Sunday.
Laggos
623
Those tackles take Neymar out for a whole season buh the GOAT is just built different.
Vezbklmnru
418
Ronaldo fan would have been at Peace if Messi was injured, but guest what he probe them wrong.
Diklopstuy
247
the fact that the founder of (All Football app)is a messi fan then I'll always download this app whenever I change my phone
JahbizzleGamer
238
Don’t condone injuring people but it’s took this long for people to be like I don’t give a fuck if it’s Messi I’m going to clatter you like any other player cause I watched him in la liga and it looked like some of those defenders was happy to let him run by cause there tongues were so far up his as but cr7 asoon as they could they would try clatter him
Podabilry
225
At 36,coaches still meet to discuss "how to stop Messi " If Cristiano play like Messi, Cristiano would have retired at 24 because all defenders are always after you. But if Messi play like cr5, Messi will play till he is 80yrs because cr5 don't dribble again just to avoid injuries, cr5 always found inside penalty area waiting for passes to tap in. Cr5 don't play for the team, he now get average of 4 assist in a whole season because his team plays for cr5 to score. Ask yourself, apart from waiting in box to receive passes, what else does cr5 do for the team? That's why whenever cr5 don't score in a match he will be in grave troubles because his presence will be zero.
Desmond011
204
I thought he will be substituted after that tackle but after he was examined, he just drank a can of water and continued playing.🥹⚽️🔟 ALIEN
LFTB
189
Richcapone442
10
At 36,coaches still meet to discuss "how to stop Messi " If Cristiano play like Messi, Cristiano would have retired at 24 because all defenders are always after you. But if Messi play like cr5, Messi will play till he is 80yrs because cr5 don't dribble again just to avoid injuries, cr5 always found inside penalty area waiting for passes to tap in. Cr5 don't play for the team, he now get average of 4 assist in a whole season because his team plays for cr5 to score. Ask yourself, apart from waiting in box to receive passes, what else does cr5 do for the team? That's why whenever cr5 don't score in a match he will be in grave troubles because his presence will be zero.
I’m a Messi fan but a beg una stop that Ronaldo is good at what he does same as Messi
Hukcdestu
9
Those tackles take Neymar out for a whole season buh the GOAT is just built different.
I’m a Madrid Fan but to be honest Messi has survived more dangerous tackles than this especially during El Classico’s …He’s Naturally a strong Guy….
LovinglyRais
9
GET well soon GOAT 💪
thisishayzed
8
At 36,coaches still meet to discuss "how to stop Messi " If Cristiano play like Messi, Cristiano would have retired at 24 because all defenders are always after you. But if Messi play like cr5, Messi will play till he is 80yrs because cr5 don't dribble again just to avoid injuries, cr5 always found inside penalty area waiting for passes to tap in. Cr5 don't play for the team, he now get average of 4 assist in a whole season because his team plays for cr5 to score. Ask yourself, apart from waiting in box to receive passes, what else does cr5 do for the team? That's why whenever cr5 don't score in a match he will be in grave troubles because his presence will be zero.
you think everyone has time to read this bible of yours?? 🤣