Messi riled up by Orlando City's Araujo before Inter Miami's Leagues Cup win

Lionel Messi did what is of expected; score goals and lead Inter Miami to victory -- that is what American soccer fans have only known since his magical feet touched the pitch in Fort Lauderdale.

Though, an angrier version of the genius was on display Wednesday night as Orlando City went after the Argentine No. 10.

Messi was lucky to avoid a sending off, in the first half no less, before the Herons took control to win 3-1.

The 36-year-old received a caution in the 20th minute after cynically kicking down Wilder Cartagena.

Before the first 45 could be finished, Messi delivered a body-check to Cesar Araujo which was not called for a foul -- and ostensibly led to words with the 22-year-old midfielder as the teams walked down the tunnel tied at 1-1.

Footage from the AppleTV cameras showed Messi angrily speaking to the Uruguayan.

He had to be separated by a substitute before the teams eventually parted ways into their respective dressing rooms.

Messi also had words with Orlando's Felipe in the 83rd minute with Inter Miami cruising at 3-1 up.

Orlando coach Oscar Pareja was dismayed at the perceived preferential treatment given to Messi throughout the 90 minutes.

'There are a couple of plays that are double yellows, with Leo,' Pareja said postgame.

'I don't care if it's him but it has to be judged just the same as everybody else. Things have to be fair and what happened on the pitch was not like that.

'They (Inter Miami) have improved their quality, it was a competitive game, but we feel that there were very unfair circumstances of the game that should not have happened.'