Fans Call for Messi's Inter Miami Contract Termination Over Penalty Reaction

After Vissel Kobe's Robert Taylor blazed a penalty over the bar during a shootout, Messi's reaction, along with teammates Jordi Alba and DeAndre Yedlin, raised eyebrows and ire among supporters. 

Some fans went as far as labelling Messi a "disgusting leader" and calling for the termination of his contract as reported by the Sun.

"His contract should be terminated ASAP. Ridiculous," remarked one fan, while another expressed disbelief, stating, "Such a disgusting guy man, how can he laugh?"

"My captain would NEVER," commented another, highlighting the disappointment and frustration felt by some supporters.

Inter Miami, currently on their pre-season tour in the Far East, faced backlash from fans last week when Messi was benched in a match against a Hong Kong XI. Owner David Beckham even faced boos from the crowd. Messi, 36, explained his absence, citing an injury.

"Unfortunately in football things can happen in any game, that we may have an injury. It happened to me," Messi said. "I couldn't play in the Hong Kong match, and it was a shame because I always wanted to participate, I wanted to be there and even more so when it came to these matches."

Messi expressed his hope to return to the pitch soon, stating, "I hope we can return and we play another game and I can play as I do whenever I can."