LIONEL MESSI is at the centre of a stunning “CHEAT” storm.
The football superstar, 36, has had an electric start to life in America after scoring seven goals in four games.
ReutersLionel Messi has been embroiled in a ‘cheat’ storm following his free-kick vs FC Dallas[/caption]
TikTok @comtrax_chicafitboliviaFans spotted Messi moving the ball slightly before taking his free-kick[/caption]
TikTok @comtrax_chicafitboliviaMessi moved the ball while the ref had his back turned[/caption]
TikTok @comtrax_chicafitboliviaAnd some fans remarkably labelled him a ‘cheat’[/caption]
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His exploits included a stunning 85th minute free-kick against FC Dallas to send Inter Miami into extra-time of the Leagues Cup, before his side won the tie 5-3 on penalties.
However, the Argentine World Cup winner has now sensationally been accused of “cheating” by some fans.
Footage of the game shows Messi standing over the ball before his free-kick.
And in the footage, the ex-Barcelona star can be seen inching the ball forward while the ref tends to the defensive wall.
The minor adjustments proved to be beneficial, with Messi nestling the set-piece into the top corner.
But fans online were left split over the act.
Taking to Twitter, one fan wrote: “This video of Lionel Messi slowly and sneakily moving the ball a few feet to the left so he has a better angle on his free kick is a good reminder that even the world’s best athletes are constantly looking for an edge.”
A second argued: “‘Looking for an edge’ is the new way to refer to cheating, lol. And yes, i know that many others do the same…. and yes, i think they all cheat (because it’s against the rules).”
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“Considering where the ball ended up going in, these slight movements made all the difference in actually scoring. That’s artistic genius by Messi,” remarked a third.
A fourth hit back: “Cheating. You mean cheating.”
Meanwhile, a fifth replied: “First time watching a football match? Every match this happens 100 times.”
Another claimed: “What a cheater .”
Thanks to Inter’s progression in the Leagues Cup, Messi’s full Major League Soccer debut has been delayed.
He had been due to make his MLS debut on August 20 against Charlotte FC.
However, with the Herons progressing into the quarter-finals, the fixture has now been pushed back with the two sides set to meet at the PNK DRV Stadium on Friday.
And with the semi-finals set to commence on August 19, one team will be unable to fulfil the original fixture slot.
Incredibly, just one month after making his debut, Messi already sits joint-fourth in Inter’s all-time goalscorer charts.
And at the rate he is going he will have no problem catching compatriot Gonzalo Higuain, who sits top with 29 goals.