In the opening round of the new Major League Soccer (MLS) season, reigning champions Inter Miami suffered a 3–0 defeat against Los Angeles FC last Saturday. Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, despite being the focal point of the team, struggled to create meaningful scoring opportunities throughout the match. His frustration was evident on the pitch, but the game itself was overshadowed post-match by a separate controversy involving the forward.
Allegations surfaced suggesting that Messi had entered the referees’ room without authorisation after the final whistle, sparking widespread discussion among fans and media alike. The MLS promptly launched a thorough review of the incident, analysing match footage and cross-checking league protocols.
Following this investigation, league authorities concluded that Messi had not breached any rules. Consequently, no disciplinary action will be taken, and the matter will not proceed to the MLS Disciplinary Committee.
Incident Overview
| Issue | Details | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Match | Inter Miami vs Los Angeles FC | 3–0 defeat for Inter Miami |
| Allegation | Messi entered referees’ room | Claimed unauthorised entry |
| MLS Ruling | No breach of protocol | No punishment imposed |
| Referee Association | Confirmed with officials | Messi did not enter referees’ room |
| Coach Comment | Messi’s mental state normal | No signs of distress observed |
Video footage circulating after the match showed Inter Miami captain entering an area near the referees’ room. Some supporters and media outlets interpreted Messi’s proximity as unauthorised entry. However, the MLS investigation clarified that the path Messi took was not restricted and the door he used did not lead to the referees’ locker room.
Chris Rivet, Communications Director of the Professional Referees Association, told ESPN, “After confirming with match officials, we are certain that Messi did not enter the referees’ room.”
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano also commented on Messi’s post-match state: “No, I saw nothing concerning. Honestly, when I went to the locker room after the match, Messi showed no signs of disappointment or unease.”
The league’s decision effectively quells the surge of criticism aimed at Messi, reinforcing MLS’s commitment to player safety and strict adherence to procedural rules. This episode underscores the importance of clear protocols regarding player conduct and access areas within stadiums, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance in upholding league standards.
Overall, the combined scrutiny of the match outcome and the referees’ room incident serves as a reminder of the high expectations placed on both players and officials in MLS, ensuring fairness, safety, and professional conduct across the league.