Fans slam horror challenge on Messi during Inter Miami's clash with Nashville

Football fans have hit out at a challenge Lionel Messi received during Inter Miami's clash with Nashville on Thursday.

The Argentine superstar has enjoyed a stunning start to his first full season with the MLS outfit, netting three times in three league games in the build-up to the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup last-16 encounter last night.

But, the David Beckham-owned outfit endured a disastrous start as they went 2-0 down to Nashville before Messi pulled one back with a stunning goal after an assist from his former Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez.

However, in the 78th minute, as Nashville defender Lukas MacNaughton attempted to clear the ball, he followed through and caught Messi with his studs above the shin in what was an extremely ugly challenge.

The Argentine - who was furious with the tackle - was left squirming on the floor in pain after his leg seemingly buckled, before he was attended to by Inter Miami's medical staff.

However, MacNaughton wasn't even booked by the referee and Messi recovered to carry on for the rest of the game, with the Argentine having the last laugh when Suarez equalised in the fifth minute of added time.