Lionel Messi, Inter Miami ‘circus’ ripped by Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja

Not everyone in Major League Soccer is excited for Lionel Messi’s run with Inter Miami.

Messi scored a pair of goals Wednesday in a 3-1 win over Orlando City at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

In the process, Messi received his first yellow card with Inter Miami after he was cited for a hard foul in the 21st minute.

Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja went after the officials following the loss for giving Messi preferential treatment, believing Argentina’s World Cup hero should have also picked up a second yellow card and a corresponding red card for charging Orlando City midfielder Cesar Araujo with his shoulder in first-half stoppage time.

“Tonight was a circus. There was a second yellow on Messi [that wasn’t given],” Pareja said according to Goal.com. “I don’t care if he’s Messi.”

Wednesday was another head-turning performance by Messi, even if Pareja had his issues with the officiating and “circus.”

Seven minutes into the match, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner eluded the Orlando City backline, stopped a pass from Robert Taylor on his chest, dribbled a couple of yards near the edge of the 6-yard box and converted a shot that landed under the crossbar.

The goal gave Inter Miami a 1-0 lead before Orlando tied it 11 minutes later.

Messi struck again in the 72nd minute when he received a centering pass from Josef Martinez and flicked a right-footed shot inside the left post and put Inter Miami ahead, 3-1.

Messi has now scored in three straight games, a run which features back-to-back multi-goal performances.

“It is not illogical to think that he has scored five goals in three matches,” Inter Miami coach Tata Martino said. “Sometimes I feel we overdo it coming up with greater adjectives. It just comes down to talking about the best player in the world.”

Messi gave his team a scare early in the second half when he collided with Orlando midfielder Mauricio Pereyra.

Messi stayed down on the ground for a couple of minutes, favoring his jaw.

Wednesday’s win advances Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup Round of 16 against Dallas FC, which is scheduled for Sunday at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.