"You just lost 4-0" - Pundit calls out Cincinnati star for taking Lionel Messi's Inter Miami jersey after MLS Playoff S/F loss

Former Canada international Kaylyn Kyle has called out Cincinnati centre-back Teenage Hadebe for exchanging shirts with Lionel Messi after they suffered a 4-0 loss against Inter Miami. The two sides faced each other in the semi-finals of the 2025 MLS Playoffs at the TQL Stadium on Sunday, November 23.

Inter Miami looked dominant against Cincinnati as they progressed to the Eastern Conference final. Lionel Messi headed home in the 19th minute to open the scoring before providing the assist for Mateo Silvetti, who doubled their advantage in the 57th minute. The Argentine icon then completed a hat-trick of assists soon after, as Tadeo Allende netted a brace (62', 74') to secure an impressive win for the Herons.

However, Teenage Hadebe, who notably struggled to contain Lionel Messi during the game, was spotted exchanging shirts with the latter. Kyle was far from impressed by this as she told Apple TV (via MARCA):

"That's what frustrates me the most. It looked like they were coming off a show and Messi had completely overshadowed him. Messi is the best in history, he has won absolutely everything... but you just lost 4-0. Is it really the time to ask for his shirt? For me, it's to feel embarrassed."

She added:

"Your people support you every season, every week. You've been run over in a semi-final and the first thing you do is look for the exchange. If you want their shirt to hang at home, fine... but do it inside, not just after you've been wiped off the pitch. It's a bad image for FC Cincinnati and for those who were on the pitch."

The Herons will next face New York City in the Eastern Conference final on Saturday, November 29.

---

"It's impossible [not to] follow him. It's unbelievable" - Javier Mascherano explains why he believes coaching Lionel Messi is a privilege following Inter Miami's 4-0 win

Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano reckons it's a privilege to coach Lionel Messi as the latter leads the team by example in defending and pressing. His comments arrived after Messi registered four goal contributions during Inter Miami's 4-0 win over Cincinnati.

Messi has been in red-hot form for the Herons during the MLS Playoffs, recording six goals and six assists - the most in the competition's history. Following the game, Mascherano stated (via FotMob):

"Weekend after weekend, he is incredible. We know how incredible he is with a ball, but he's the first man to do the pressure, directing the team. It's a privilege to coach Leo. He's leading the team in defense, pressing high, so when the team-mates see Leo in this way, it's impossible [not to] follow him. It's unbelievable."

Lionel Messi has scored 43 goals and provided 23 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions this season.