Quick Read
- Lionel Messi was seen near the referee area after Inter Miami’s 3-0 loss to LAFC on February 21.
- Video footage showed Messi appearing angry, with teammate Luis Suárez attempting to intervene.
- Major League Soccer (MLS) launched an investigation into the incident.
- MLS concluded Messi did not violate league policy by entering a restricted area.
- No disciplinary action or suspension will be taken against the Inter Miami captain.
LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – Major League Soccer has cleared Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi of violating league policy after a video circulated showing him near the referee area following the club’s 3-0 season-opening loss to Los Angeles FC on Saturday, February 21. The league’s review concluded that Messi did not enter a restricted area, thus avoiding potential disciplinary action amidst widespread scrutiny.
The incident, captured on video and shared widely, showed a visibly upset Messi approaching the area where match officials were heading after the game at the historic L.A. Memorial Coliseum. His teammate, Luis Suárez, was seen attempting to restrain the Argentine legend, who briefly continued past the camera’s viewpoint before Suárez successfully guided him away.
The Post-Match Incident Involving Lionel Messi
Following Inter Miami’s decisive defeat, footage from Síntesis Deportes depicted players and officials moving through the tunnel. The video showed match referees entering their locker room, with Messi following closely behind them, appearing agitated. While he did not enter the referees’ specific locker room, his proximity to the area and his apparent frustration immediately raised questions about potential league policy violations.
The match itself saw LAFC deliver a commanding performance, securing a 3-0 victory against the reigning MLS Cup champions. Goals from David Martinez, Denis Bouanga, and Nathan Ordaz sealed the win for Los Angeles FC, which played in front of 75,673 fans, marking the second-highest attendance ever for a standalone MLS game. Despite Inter Miami holding 63% possession, LAFC’s defense effectively neutralized Messi and his teammates, preventing them from breaking through.
MLS Review and Policy Clarification
Major League Soccer initiated a review into the alleged incident after the video gained traction online. The primary concern was whether Messi had gained unauthorized access to the officials’ locker room, a clear violation of league rules. However, after a thorough investigation, MLS determined that the area Messi walked through was not restricted by the league. Specifically, the door he entered was not to the referees’ locker room itself.
Chris Rivett, Director of Communications for the Professional Referee Organization, also confirmed to ESPN that Messi did not enter the officials’ locker room. This clarification was crucial in the league’s decision not to refer the matter to the MLS Disciplinary Committee, effectively clearing Messi of any wrongdoing and negating the need for a suspension.
Context of Messi’s Actions and League Precedent
The swift investigation and public clarification by MLS highlight the league’s commitment to maintaining integrity, especially concerning high-profile players like Messi. The possibility of a suspension was initially considered by some, given recent precedents within the league. For instance, FC Cincinnati defender Matt Miazga received a three-match suspension in November 2023 for entering the referees’ locker room after a playoff defeat, though his suspension was later reduced by one game.
However, the key distinction in Messi’s case was the finding that he did not breach a restricted zone. This detail proved critical in differentiating his actions from previous incidents where players faced disciplinary action for direct unauthorized access to official areas. The decision underscores the importance of precise policy adherence and the boundaries of restricted access zones.
Inter Miami’s next match is scheduled for March 1 against rival Orlando City SC, where they will look to rebound from their season-opening loss. The incident, while now officially closed, offered a glimpse into the intense scrutiny and high expectations surrounding Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer.
The league’s swift and transparent handling of the alleged incident involving Lionel Messi demonstrates a commitment to upholding policy while navigating the heightened attention that accompanies a global superstar, ensuring that scrutiny leads to clarification rather than unsubstantiated disciplinary action.