After Lionel Messi missed Inter Miami’s loss to Atlanta United, Alexi Lalas made fun of him for his odd pizza decision.

Tata Martino decided not to play the Argentine after discovering that he had suffered a minor injury while representing Argentina in World Cup qualifying. The Herons’ most recent MLS match ended in a dismal 5-2 road loss since they were without their talismanic attacker. Hours before the game, Messi was seen eating a pizza from Bancheros Miami that had a base covered with chopped tomatoes, onions, and olives. This was a clue that he wouldn’t be joining the team.

Fans on social media heavily criticized the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner for his topping selection, and now Lalas has jumped on the bandwagon. The former USMNT player warned Miami about a potential playoff spot as they presently sit in 14th place in the Eastern Conference table in addition to making a mocking jab at Messi for his very odd pizza pick.

Messi has demonstrated that he makes a difference for Inter MiamiCF, according to a post by Lalas on X. “(The) Club must exert every effort to reach the postseason. Possible “lose the battle, win the war” scenario. However, it’s embarrassing if Miami misses the playoffs by a couple of points. I really hope he liked the pizza.

Miami suffered their first loss in 12 games as a result of Messi’s absence. While Martino was left worrying about the fitness of his two superstars, Jordi Alba was also rested. Despite rumors that the two were purposefully left off the matchday roster because of Atlanta’s synthetic surface, Miami’s head coach claimed that the “field has nothing to do with” his decision.