Lionel Messi ‘calls referee “mean-spirited son of a b***”‘

LIONEL MESSI lashed out at a referee with an X-rated tirade after Inter Miami's third consecutive hapless draw in the MLS.

Star-studded Miami's winless streak extended to three matches after a 1-1 draw with Charlotte on Saturday at the Chase Stadium.

The visitors opened the scoring with Karol Swiderski on 57 minutes but Messi, 37, equalised just 10 minutes later.

The hosts came close to snatching a late winner in the 12th minute of stoppage time.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner lofted the ball towards ex-Barcelona team-mate Jordi Alba, who headed it across to another Blaugrana legend in Luis Suarez.

However, Suarez failed to score from close range as he volleyed the ball over the bar.

The striker then rolled on the ground in agony after colliding with Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina.

Messi was seething at full-time as he claimed the Liverpool legend should have been awarded a penalty.

The camera caught the star forward lambasting the official after the final whistle.

According to Ole via Mundo Deportivo, Messi told the referee: "You're a mean-spirited son of a b***h!"

Surprisingly the ref only showed the Argentina captain a yellow card instead of a red.

Charlotte had a goal ruled out for offside during the match when Kerwin Vargas beat Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender from close range.

Messi continues to dominate the MLS with a whopping total of 15 goals and 10 assists in 16 appearances.