Lionel Messi will not face disciplinary action from Major League Soccer following an incident after Inter Miami’s 3-0 loss to LAFC on Saturday night. The league reviewed video footage appearing to show Messi attempting to confront referees in the tunnel at the LA Memorial Coliseum, but determined he did not violate any league policies.
The incident unfolded immediately after the final whistle, with video captured by Síntesis Deportes reporter Giovanni Guerrero showing Messi following officials through a doorway. Luis Suárez, Messi’s longtime teammate, was seen attempting to restrain him, but Messi briefly disappeared from view before re-emerging and walking with the rest of the Inter Miami squad towards their locker room.
While the footage sparked immediate speculation about a potential confrontation, MLS officials clarified that the door Messi entered did not lead to the referees’ locker room, and that he did not access any restricted areas. “The league’s review found no violations, and the case is effectively closed,” an MLS spokesperson told The Athletic.
This isn’t to say Messi is a stranger to league scrutiny. Last season, he was fined for a violation of the “hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy” during a match against New York City FC. He also received a one-match suspension for skipping the MLS All-Star game. However, those incidents were unrelated to interactions with officiating crews.
The incident comes at a pivotal moment for Messi and Inter Miami as they navigate the early stages of the match against Orlando City, followed by a trip to face D.C. United in Baltimore on . The pressure is on for the team to perform after a disappointing season opener, and any disruption – even a perceived one – could be unwelcome.
The lack of immediate comment from Inter Miami, LAFC, and the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) adds a layer of intrigue to the situation. The PSRA, as the labor union representing MLS referees, is often a key voice in matters concerning on-field conduct and officiating. Their silence suggests a cautious approach, perhaps reflecting a desire to avoid escalating the situation.
Messi’s frequent engagement with referees during matches is well-documented. He’s known for passionately arguing calls, a trait common among elite players who demand a high standard of officiating. However, the line between passionate advocacy and unacceptable conduct can be thin, and MLS has historically taken a firm stance against any behavior deemed to be threatening or disrespectful towards officials.
The league’s swift review and subsequent decision to clear Messi underscores the delicate balance MLS faces when dealing with its highest-profile player. Messi’s presence in the league has undeniably elevated its global profile, and any heavy-handed disciplinary action could have been viewed as detrimental to the league’s image. At the same time, MLS must maintain the integrity of its officiating and ensure that all players are held to the same standards of conduct.
The incident also raises broader questions about the pressures faced by players and officials in high-stakes professional sports. The intensity of competition, combined with the scrutiny of fans and media, can create a volatile environment where emotions run high. While Messi’s actions were ultimately deemed not to be a violation of league policy, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges involved in maintaining composure and professionalism in the heat of the moment.
The fact that the door Messi followed the referees through wasn’t a direct route to their locker room is a crucial detail. It suggests that Messi’s intent wasn’t necessarily to confront them in a private setting, but rather to express his frustration in the immediate aftermath of the match. This nuance likely played a significant role in the league’s decision not to impose any sanctions.
Looking ahead, the focus will undoubtedly shift back to on-field performance. Inter Miami will need to regroup quickly and demonstrate their championship aspirations. Messi, as the team’s captain and talisman, will be central to those efforts. The league will also be closely monitoring the situation to ensure that similar incidents are avoided in the future. The incident serves as a reminder that even the biggest stars are subject to the same rules and expectations as everyone else in Major League Soccer.
