Miazga mocks Lainez's height in confrontation
Chelsea defender Matt Miazga stirred up tensions by mocking the height of Club America teenager Diego Lainez as the United States took on Mexico in a friendly in Nashville.
Miazga at 6ft 4in towered over Lainez, who is only 5ft 6in. The highly partisan crowd roared their approval at the humiliating gestures.
Although the match was a friendly, the rivalry between the neighbouring countries was evident from the first whistle.
The confrontation came after Miazga drew a foul from the 18-year-old Mexican near the touchline.
Miazga then squared up to Lainez, mocking the size difference between them.
Teammates then stepped in to separate the pair, and in the end neither one was booked.
Miazga said after the match: "It's normal. We talked a little smack. It's part of the game. It's mental warfare."
It proved to a more positive night for the hosts as the fiery game was settled midway through the second half with Tyler Adams netting his first for his country.
That strike came just three minutes after Angel Zaldivar was sent off for Mexico for a challenge on American Will Trapp.