Oscar Pareja has criticized the excessive attention around Lionel Messi and argued that the Inter Miami player should have been given a red card in his recent match.
Once again, the Argentine legend took part in the Leagues Cup on Wednesday against local rivals Orlando City.
Despite a heated derby at DRV PNK Stadium, Messi scored two goals to secure a 3-1 victory and a spot in the last-16.
During the match, tensions flared, and Messi was cautioned with a yellow card for a clumsy challenge in the 20th minute.
Furthermore, he narrowly avoided a second yellow and subsequent red card after a forceful shoulder charge on Cesar Araujo just before half-time.
Orlando coach Oscar Pareja expressed his dissatisfaction with the refereeing decisions and what appeared to be special treatment for the legendary player on display.
He told reporters afterwards: “Tonight was a circus. There was a second yellow on Messi [that wasn’t given]. I don’t care if he’s Messi.”
The Colombian added, with some big penalty shouts from his side also being waved away: “The penalty kick 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.”
Messi has become a star attraction in the United States, with A-list guests flocking to see him in action, and the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has now netted five goals through his opening three appearances for David Beckham co-owned Inter Miami.