Lionel Messi's surprising reaction to Inter Miami teammate missing two penalties in a row

Lionel Messi's immediate reaction after Inter Miami teammate Robert Taylor missed two penalties in a row during Wednesday's defeat to Vissel Kobe is going viral.

The MLS side concluded their controversial pre-season tour of Asia with a friendly clash against J1 League outfit Vissel Kobe at the Japan National Stadium, Tokyo.

After the controversy of last weekend, when a Messi no-show left thousands inside the Hong Kong Stadium furious, the Argentine made a 30-minute cameo, despite swelling in his adductor muscle.

The game eventually went to penalties following a drab goalless draw.

Leonardo Campana, Julian Gressel and Jordi Alba converted from 12 yards for Gerardo Martino's side but Robert Taylor, who was one of Inter Miami's standout performers last season, failed to convert.

In fact, Taylor missed two penalties in a row after Vissel Kobe goalkeeper Shota Arai strayed off his line.

Moments later the camera panned towards Inter Miami trio Jordi Alba, DeAndre Yedlin and Lionel Messi, who appeared to laugh at the unfolding events in Japan's capital.

Lionel Messi's Reaction to Taylor Missing his penalty 😂pic.twitter.com/YI9G5MeJSv

— ACE (@FCB_ACEE) February 7, 2024

Kobe pair Hotaru Yamaguchi and Koya Yuruki would also fail to convert their spot-kicks and, with Messi still on the pitch, many fans inside the Japan National Stadium encouraged the World Cup winner to step up.

But much to their displeasure, Noah Allen walked towards the penalty spot to win the shootout.

Allen, who was booed as he stepped up, went on to miss his spot-kick before Japanese full-back Nanasei Iino converted to make it 4-3.

Brazilian midfielder Gregore would fail in his attempts as the majority of the 28,614 fans in attendance cheered what was another poor result for Inter Miami on their international tour.

Messi and Alba's reaction after Taylor missed his penalty twice 😂pic.twitter.com/FdMbPJidrc

— VizoR 🦈 (@Vizor_710) February 7, 2024

The Herons have suffered defeats against FC Dallas, Al Hilal and Al Nassr this year, but they managed to record a 4-1 win over a Hong Kong XI on Sunday afternoon.