Lionel Messi may face disciplinary action from MLS after the Inter Miami forward was spotted following referees through a door after his team’s 3-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC on Saturday. The league has begun looking into the incident amid concerns over possible misconduct.
Previous Cases Shed Light on Potential Consequences
Earlier in 2023, FC Cincinnati defender Matt Miazaga was suspended for three matches after entering the referees’ locker room following a playoff game. This precedent underscores the seriousness with which MLS treats similar actions. Video footage shared by Sintesis Deportes showed Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez trying to stop Messi from entering a room, but Messi quickly slipped away before rejoining his team heading to their locker area. It remains unclear whether the door Messi followed the referees through was indeed the referees’ locker room.
MLS Awaiting Disciplinary Committee Decision
MLS has yet to release an official comment regarding Messi’s conduct. Typically, the league’s disciplinary committee evaluates such cases and announces rulings—including fines or suspensions—by midweek following the weekend’s matches. Messi has never been suspended for an incident involving referees, though he did face a one-match suspension last summer for missing the MLS All-Star Game and was fined last season for a hand-to-head violation during a game.
Next Steps for Messi and Inter Miami
Inter Miami is currently on a break and will next play against Orlando City on Sunday. The outcome of the MLS investigation could influence Messi’s availability for upcoming matches, affecting the club’s competitiveness as the season progresses.
“for violating the hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy”
?MLS Disciplinary Record
