In the world of sports, where emotions run high and tempers run even higher, it seems even the great Lionel Messi isn’t immune to the occasional post-match temper tantrum. The Argentine maestro, fresh off a 3-2 defeat that sent Inter Miami crashing out of the MLS Cup Eastern Conference Playoffs, decided to express his frustration the way any of us would—by ghosting both the fans and the opposition. Classy, right?
After Inter Miami‘s season came to a screeching halt against Atlanta United on November 9, Messi didn’t stick around to swap pleasantries or, you know, acknowledge the thousands of supporters who paid to see him work his magic. Instead, he stormed down the tunnel without so much as a wave, proving that even the GOAT has his grumpy days.
Naturally, this behavior didn’t sit well with USMNT legend Landon Donovan, who wasn’t about to let Messi’s moody exit slide. On the Unfiltered Soccer podcast, Donovan put on his most disappointed-dad voice and scolded Messi for ditching the fans:
“I don’t like that,” Donovan lamented, clearly still carrying the spirit of sportsmanship in his heart. “Just shake their hands and say congratulations. Messi walked right off the field. Maybe in the locker room they came out and said congrats or whatever, and by the way, your fans are out there too, at least congratulate them on a great season and thank them for all the support they’ve had.”
Because, you know, Messi’s only scored 23 goals and provided 13 assists in 25 appearances for Inter Miami. What’s that worth if you can’t give a quick fist bump or a thumbs-up to the fans who’ve been chanting your name all season?
While Messi was busy nursing his pride, Donovan was practically waving a banner for good manners in sports. Sure, the stakes were high, the pressure was mounting, and Inter Miami had just been ousted from the Playoffs despite setting an MLS record with 74 points in the regular season. But hey, would it kill Messi to flash a quick smile and say, “Hey, thanks for sticking with us even though we just blew it”?
Now, some might say that Messi’s post-match ghosting is a bit more forgivable, given his stellar (and injury-hit) season. Still, the argument could be made that if Cristiano Ronaldo had pulled the same stunt, the internet would have exploded by now, raining down memes and hot takes like confetti at a championship parade.
But wait, there’s more drama on the horizon! Rumor has it that Inter Miami could be looking to replace head coach Tata Martino with none other than Xavi Hernandez—Messi’s old Barcelona buddy. Because what better way to soften the blow of a disappointing season than by reuniting two footballing legends? Martino, despite leading Miami to a Leagues Cup victory and that shiny Supporters’ Shield, couldn’t quite guide them past the Playoffs’ first round. So, why not bring in Xavi, a man who helped Barcelona win two trophies, including a LaLiga title, and has probably heard all of Messi’s post-match sulks before?
With Xavi potentially coming in to save the day, maybe next season Inter Miami will not only win more trophies but also nail the whole “thank your fans” part. Until then, we’ll have to settle for Donovan giving Messi a sportsmanship lesson—because sometimes, even the greatest need a little reminder to play nice.
