Gonzalo Higuain promised he has "moved on" from an angry exchange with Philadelphia Union players after the former Juventus striker missed a penalty on his Inter Miami debut.
Higuain made the headlines for the wrong reasons on his MLS bow, after he sent a dreadful spot-kick attempt wide of the upright in Miami's 3-0 defeat to the Union.
The Argentine was then confronted by several Union players, with a fracas then occurring as Higuain reacted.
While acknowledging he regrets not keeping his emotions under control, Higuain believes the Union players showed a lack of respect.
"I felt it was a lack of respect and I reacted," Higuain told a news conference. "I believe in fair play. I'm an emotional person, and couldn't accept or tolerate it. Five players were on me, that is provocation.
"I'm not proud of how I reacted. I'm an emotional person, but I couldn't tolerate that. I've moved on."
Miami still harbors hopes of securing a playoff spot, but the new franchise will need to kick on in the final part of the season in order to do so.
They face New York City FC on Saturday, with Ronny Deila's side – who sit sixth in the Eastern Conference – heading into the fixture on the back of a 4-0 win over FC Cincinnati.
Alexandru Mitrita scored twice in that triumph, and Deila was thrilled with the forward's performance in a central role.
"We were trying to get him more into the center," he told reporters. "Then it's less defensive work in our half and he's closer to the goal. The first half was really good. Finding spaces, doing things on the ball, scoring goals. I can't ask for more."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Inter Miami – Gonzalo Higuain
Higuain's debut may have been one to forget, but he will be chomping at the bit to get on the scoresheet – and help Miami return to winning ways – this time out. His quality is not in doubt, despite that torrid penalty on Sunday.
New York City FC – Alexandru Mitrita
Mitrita had not scored in 12 appearances in 2020 prior to NYCFC's win over Cincinnati, but the Romanian found form in style with two excellent goals, and he will be looking to keep up the momentum as the business end of the season approaches.
KEY OPTA FACTS
• This is the second meeting between Miami and NYCFC, who clinched a 1-0 win over the expansion side during the MLS is Back tournament.
• NYCFC's 4-0 win over Cincinnati continued their strong play since returning from the MLS is Back Tournament. They have collected 17 points in nine matches since the regular season resumed, tied for fourth most in MLS in that time.
• Higuain has missed the last four penalties he's attempted, including attempts in MLS, Serie A and the Champions League.
• NYCFC forward Valentin Castellanos is yet to score this season in 14 appearances, including six starts. He has both the most shot attempts (33) and the highest xG (2.9) of any MLS player without a goal this season.