Lionel Messi Facing Backlash Over ‘Disgusting’ Comment During Inter Miami Bust-Up

Lionel Messi has been accused of making a "disgusting" comment to a fellow Argentine player during Inter Miami's Leagues Cup final defeat to Seattle Sounders.

Messi was denied a second Leagues Cup triumph with the Herons after they were trounced 3-0 at Lumen Field on Sunday.

Osaze De Rosario, Alex Roldan and Paul Rothrock were all on target for Sounders, whose victory completed a clean sweep as they became the first United States side to win all available continental and domestic trophies.

But there were unsavoury scenes in the final, include a mass melee at the final whistle.

Sergio Busquets appeared to strike Obed Vargas on the chin, Maxi Falcon had Sounders player Cody Baker in a headlock, and Inter's Tomas Aviles looked to throw punches at Jackson Ragen.

Lionel Messi was furious with compatriot Pedro de la Vega. Image: Getty

In addition, Luis Suarez could be facing a substantial ban after appearing to spit in the direction of Sounders security director Gene Ramirez.

Messi did not have much of a role in the brawl but he and Rodrigo de Paul had an altercation with Pedro de la Vega during the game.

And Alan Gordon, a former teammate of David Beckham's at LA Galaxy - citing a reliable source - claims an incensed Messi effectively blackballed the 24-year-old with a "disgusting" threat about his potential involvement in the Argentina national team.

Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi remains captain of La Albiceleste, who are yet to call up De la Vega.

“Messi told him - remember when they got into a little scuffle during the game," Gordon said on the Major League Journeymen podcast.

"Messi told him to his face ‘You will never play for the national team as long as I am involved’. He basically blackballed him on the field. This happened. That is disgusting to me.”

Messi's sway on the Argentina national team is known to be monumental even as he comes towards the end of his career with his country.

Sounders star responds to Lionel Messi flare-up

Despite the furore and the incident, De la Vega, who has posed for a picture with the Barcelona legend before, played down the tense exchange he shared with Messi and De Paul, calling them "the greatest", his "idols" and embracing the challenge of coming up against them.

"Messi and [Rodrigo] De Paul? They are the greatest," the Leagues Cup MVP said afterwards.

"They are world champions and they are my idols. The clash was just part of the game. I tried to stay focused and not take it personally. Facing them as an Argentine carries a different kind of pressure.”

SPORTbible has reached out to Inter Miami for comment.