Lionel Messi narrowly escapes horrific injury as he writhes in pain during Inter Miami's MLS clash

David Beckham's MLS franchise travelled to Tennessee for a Concacaf Champions League meeting with their fellow US side.

Nashville surged ahead with a 2-0 lead courtesy of Jacob Shaffelburg's double. However, Messi, aged 36, demonstrated his trademark prowess by bending home a left-footed shot from the edge of the box in the 52nd minute, igniting hope for Inter Miami.

As Inter Miami pushed for an equalizer, Messi found himself in a tangle with Lukas MacNaughton's clearance. 

The follow-through inadvertently struck Messi's shin, sending him into a writhing heap on the ground. Despite no foul being given, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was clearly in pain, seen slapping the floor in frustration.

When the ball went out of play, Messi received treatment from medical staff before resuming the game. Eventually, Messi and his team managed to salvage a point, as Luis Suarez nodded in a late equalizer during stoppage time.

However, despite the lack of a foul call on MacNaughton's clearance, fans took to social media to express their outrage at the sight of Messi in pain. 

One fan hysterically claimed, "Players like this one should be banned for 6 months," while another demanded, "Wtf ban the defender."

A third fan criticized the referee, exclaiming, "That referee is a clown. How tf is that not a red!!" 

Meanwhile, another fan joked, "You can see the fear in number 3's eyes. He knew he was about to be the most hated guy in football."

Inter Miami's next challenge awaits them on Sunday as they host Montreal Impact in the MLS.