what happened between Lionel Messi and Cesar Araujo?

Lionel Messi, the star player of Inter Miami, had a heated confrontation with Cesar Araujo, a midfielder of Orlando City, during the Leagues Cup match on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. The match, which ended in a 3-1 victory for Miami, was marked by several fouls, yellow cards, and a controversial penalty decision. Messi scored the opening goal in the seventh minute with a stunning volley, but Araujo equalized in the 34th minute with a header from a corner kick.

The tension between the two players escalated in the first half’s final minutes when Messi pushed Araujo to the ground with his arm while trying to receive a pass. Araujo and his teammate Kyle Smith retaliated by fouling Messi shortly after. Messi was visibly angry and demanded a yellow card for Araujo from the referee. The two players continued to exchange words as they walked off the pitch at halftime, and Messi even waited for Araujo in the tunnel to resume their verbal clash. They had to be separated from their teammates and staff.

Messi showed his competitive spirit and passion for the game, even though he is 36 years old and has won everything in his career. He also showed his loyalty to his new club and embraced the rivalry with Orlando City, which is known as the Florida Derby. Messi’s attitude was praised by his coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino, who said that Messi came to compete and win things and that he fulfilled what he said.

Messi’s performance earned him the Guinness World Record for the most combined goals and assists in the history of football, surpassing his former rival Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi has now scored 1,006 goals and provided 456 assists in his career, while Ronaldo has 1,005 goals and 453 assists.

For now, Messi is clear of Ronaldo 👀

Lionel Messi has 41 @GWR titles whereas Cristiano Ronaldo has 40… pic.twitter.com/rrXt10puFF
— Guinness World Records (@GWR) August 1, 2023