Nashville star Lukas MacNaughton has given his verdict on last week’s rash challenge on Lionel Messi when facing Inter Miami.
The 29-year-old defender went in studs-up on the Argentine international in the first leg of Nashville’s CONCACAF Champions Cup series against Inter Miami, with the spoils shared at 2-2.
Having gone 2-0 down, Messi inspired Inter Miami to a comeback with a fantastic strike from distance, yet the Argentine was hurt during the match after a vicious challenge from MacNaughton.
Lukas MacNaughton responds after Lionel Messi challenge last week
And speaking to the press via Andrea Yanez, MacNaughton has now given his verdict on the tackle, with Inter Miami and Messi fans sending online abuse towards the Nashville star.
With Messi missing Sunday’s MLS clash against CF Montreal, the challenge likely left a lasting impact on the Inter Miami captain that required extra rest for the 36-year-old.
Yet MacNaughton seemed lax over the challenge, with the defender saying when asked about the tackle on Messi: “I have tackled enough players in my career that it is what it is.
“If someone wants to make a fuss out of it after the game, it’s just another tackle. Abuse is the same anywhere in person or online, but I’m still ready to play, it doesn’t affect me.”
Inter Miami will want revenge against Nashville tomorrow
Inter Miami have made the Champions Cup a priority heading into the new season, with the Herons in a good place to progress to the next round despite the series tied at 2-2.
Yet tomorrow night could see the Florida franchise get their revenge on Nashville and MacNaughton, with Messi expected to be fully fit for the fixture at Fort Lauderdale.
Indeed, Inter Miami will want a statement result tomorrow on home soil, and Messi could deliver just that if the forward is again at the top of his game.