Cristiano Ronaldo celebration explained as Lionel Messi involved in two angry rows

New York City defender Mitja Ilenic says he fulfilled a lifelong dream by hitting Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic 'Siu' celebration in front of Lionel Messi.

Ilenic, 20, scored in Sunday's big MLS opener between New York City and Inter Miami, which ended 2-2. It was another big night in the United States for Messi, who was also on the scoresheet.

Inter Miami were 2-1 up before Ilenic struck to restore parity. And as a lifelong fan of Ronaldo - who is widely considered to be Messi's biggest rival - Ilenic says there was only ever one way he was going to celebrate.

"About the celebration, I'm a big fan of Cristiano, to be honest," he said after the game.

"That was basically my dream: to do it in front of (Lionel) Messi. I would say it also shows my confidence and I'm super, super happy about it, that it happened today."

While it remains to be seen if Ilenic's big celebration had any sort of impact on Messi, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain man did appear to lose his cool at the conclusion of a dramatic match.

Inter Miami took the lead in the fifth minute through Tomas Aviles but were then reduced to 10 men midway through the first half when Aviles was sent off. Ilenic would go on to score three minutes later before Alonso Martinez nudged the visitors in front.

Telasco Sogovia scored in the 100th minute to ensure a share of the spoils for Messi and co, but the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was seen angrily confronting referee Rosendo Mendoza post-match.

He was even booked for his protests and was then seen having words with New York City's assistant coach, Mehdi Ballouchy, before finally leaving the pitch.

Messi and Inter Miami will have the chance to bounce back on Tuesday when they face Sporting KC in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup clash. They lead 1-0 on aggregate after Messi plundered the winner in their previous meeting last week.

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