Lionel Messi Cleared After MLS Reviews Post-Match Referee Confrontation

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi will face no disciplinary action after Major League Soccer concluded its investigation into the star’s post-match interaction with match officials following Saturday’s 3–0 season-opening defeat to LAFC at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

Video circulated after the final whistle appeared to show Messi pursuing the neon-clad refereeing crew through an open stadium door, despite teammate Luis Suárez attempting to restrain him. Allegations quickly surfaced that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had gained unauthorized entry to the officials’ locker room, a breach of league protocol.

On Monday, the Professional Referee Organization clarified the situation. “After speaking with match officials, we can confirm he did not enter the premises,” director of communications Chris Rivett told ESPN, explaining that the door Messi used did not access the locker room area. MLS subsequently closed the file, leaving the 37-year-old free to lead Miami against Orlando City next Sunday at Inter&Co Stadium.

The frustrating night in Los Angeles saw Messi kept largely in check by a disciplined LAFC defense, while the hosts punished Miami on the break. Denis Bouanga, who reportedly rebuffed a Miami approach weeks earlier, contributed to two goals, and Germán Berterame—signed after Bouanga’s decision to remain in California—forced a sharp save from Hugo Lloris in an otherwise quiet evening for the visitors.

Miami coach Javier Mascherano downplayed the lopsided scoreline, calling the result “a bit deceiving,” but the numbers told a different story. LAFC finished with an expected goals total of 3.26 to Miami’s 0.85, fired off six shots on target, and created six Opta-defined “big chances,” twice as many as their guests. The hallmark of LAFC’s victory was their transition play; no team scored more goals from direct attacks last season, and they repeatedly sliced through Miami’s midfield on Saturday.

The ease with which LAFC turned defense into offense highlighted a familiar flaw for Inter Miami. The Herons conceded 50 fast-break shots in 2025, a figure only two of the league’s 30 clubs exceeded. The retirement of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba has stripped Miami of veteran composure, a void that was exploited throughout the 90 minutes.

Mascherano urged perspective. “We don’t go crazy when we win, and we don’t make it a tragedy when we lose.” With the investigation behind him, Messi can now focus on translating that philosophy onto the pitch as Miami looks to rebound against regional rival Orlando.