Lionel Messi Cleared of MLS Policy Violation After LAFC Match Incident

Messi's Encounter with Match Officials

Lionel Messi has been exonerated from any wrongdoing regarding Major League Soccer regulations after an incident during Inter Miami's 3-0 defeat against LAFC. A widely circulated video on X, shared by Giovanni Guerrero, shows Messi seemingly approaching match officials as his teammate Luis Suarez steps in to calm the situation. Messi briefly exits the scene but soon returns, heading towards the Miami locker room alongside Suarez.

Players are generally forbidden from accessing the officials' locker area, and violations can lead to suspensions. However, the league clarified that no rules were breached in this case. An MLS representative informed the Guardian, stating, "The area Messi entered was not restricted and lacked any signage indicating it was off-limits. It was not the referee's locker room, and after reviewing the footage, the league found no violations by Messi or anyone else involved."

In the meantime, Messi and Inter Miami kicked off their MLS Cup title defense with a disappointing 3-0 loss to Los Angeles FC, with goals from David Martínez, Denis Bouanga, and Nathan Ordaz. Son Heung-min provided the assist for Martínez's opening goal, underscoring LAFC's position as a strong contender in what promises to be an exciting MLS season. Bouanga remarked, "This match is always significant because Messi is playing, and we all have a strong desire to defeat Miami due to his presence. The mentality for this game is exceptionally high, even more so than usual."

The match drew an impressive crowd of 75,673, marking the second-largest attendance in MLS history at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, located near LAFC's home ground. Fans celebrated a decisive home victory while witnessing Messi play the entire match despite having recently suffered a hamstring strain.