‘Do you want me to send you off' – Lionel Messi reaches boiling point with referee as Inter Miami woes worsen
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LIONEL MESSI clashed with the referee after Inter Miami failed to win yet again.
The MLS side have picked up just one win in six matches after drawing 3-3 with the San Jose Earthquakes.
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Lionel Messi clashed with the referee after Inter Miami drew with San Jose
Credit: Apple TV
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He shared some words with the official and pointed at him
Credit: Apple TV
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The ref told Messi to walk away or he would be red carded
Credit: Apple TV
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Messi had one final word before the San Jose coach tried to usher him away
Credit: Apple TV
Messi appeared frustrated after the final whistle and confronted ref Joe Dickerson.
He pointed at the official and exchanged words with Dickerson, who reportedly said to him: 'Do you want me to send you off? Walk away!'
Messi did walk away but he was still unhappy so he continued gesticulating towards the referee and pointed at him again.
San Jose coach Bruce Arena tried to beckon the superstar away, and he later confirmed Messi was not happy.
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Arena said: 'Yes, yes, he was. As you know, there's a universal language when you're talking about referees.
'He was obviously not happy. And I really wanted to make sure he wasn't going to get a red card, and that's why I just tried to move him out of the way.
'Because for him to get a red card at the end of the game would have been ridiculous.
'So I just wanted to make sure we get him out of there and he's ready to play the next game for Miami.'
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Losing Messi to suspension would be been a big blow for Miami, who are fifth in the Eastern Conference, six points off top spot.
Despite their struggles, Messi has continued to shine with ten goals and three assists in 15 games.
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