Featured Image Credit: X/@FOXSoccer
Topics: Inter Miami, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, MLS
Jack Kenmare
Inter Miami pair Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez were involved in a heated exchange with Nashville midfielder Anibal Godoy during the first leg of Thursday's CONCACAF Champions Cup last-16 clash.
With the hosts defending a 2-1 lead after Messi reduced the deficit to one goal, the Argentine forward was pushing for an equaliser when Godoy appeared to irritate the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
In fact, after his shot was blocked by a Nashville defender, Messi gave the Panama international a piece of his mind before Suarez jumped to back his teammate.
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As you can see from the footage below, a furious Suarez pushed Godoy and went face-to-face with the midfielder as tensions boiled over.
Jacob Shaffelburg gave Nashville a two-goal lead at Geodis Park on Thursday but goals from Messi and Suarez handed Gerardo Martino's side a lifeline coming into next week's second leg.
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Away from the incident involving Godoy and Messi was lucky to avoid a serious injury in Tennessee.
With 76 minutes played, Nashville defender Lukas MacNaughton connected with the Argentine's leg when clearing the ball midway through the second half – and his studs connected flush.
FOX Sports, who posted the footage on their social media channels, said he was "shaken up" after the challenge but, after slapping the floor in agony, he managed to get back on his feet.
Inter Miami manager Gerardo Martino, who recently expressed his concern about the "wear and tear" Messi has suffered of late, provided an update in his full-time interview.
“Leo finished the game well, tired, with fatigue in the later stages, something logical, but he's fine," Martino said.