MLS Clears Lionel Messi of Wrongdoing Following Post-Match Tunnel Incident
Major League Soccer has officially cleared Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi of any policy violations following his confrontation with match officials after the team's season-opening defeat. The incident occurred on Saturday evening at the LA Coliseum, where Miami fell 3-0 to LAFC in a disappointing start to their campaign.
Video Evidence Shows Messi Approaching Officials
Video footage posted to social media by Síntesis Deportes reporter Giovanni Guerrero shows Messi approaching the group of officials as they left the field following the match. The Argentine star appears to engage with the referees near a doorway, with teammate Luis Suárez initially attempting to restrain him before Messi briefly disappears behind a closed door.
"The area Messi entered wasn't a restricted area, which would have been marked off with signage," an MLS spokesperson confirmed to the Guardian. "It was not the referee's locker room. The league reviewed the sequence and did not find Messi or another person involved in violation of any league policies."
Distinction from Previous MLS Incidents
This incident drew immediate comparisons to a 2023 case involving FC Cincinnati defender Matt Miazga, who received a multi-match suspension for entering the referee's changing room after a playoff victory. The Professional Soccer Referees Association had stated that Miazga was "forcibly removed" after "angrily" confronting officials.
Chris Rivett, director of communications at the Professional Referee Organization (Pro), confirmed that match officials verified Messi did not enter their locker room, distinguishing this situation from the Miazga case that resulted in disciplinary action.
Messi's History of Officiating Criticism
The Inter Miami captain has developed a pattern of vocal criticism toward MLS officials throughout his time in the league. Following a 3-0 loss to Orlando City SC in 2025, Messi used a rare post-game interview on Apple TV to criticize center referee Guido Gonzales Jr for missing what he believed was a backpass violation that led directly to an Orlando goal.
"Sometimes there are errors in critical moments," Messi told Apple TV sideline reporter Michele Giannone. "It happened the last game, too. Not excuses, but there are always issues with referees and I think MLS has to look at some of the officiating."
Previous Disciplinary Actions
While Messi has never faced disciplinary action specifically for his interactions with referees, he has received punishment for other incidents. Last year, he was fined for placing his hands around NYCFC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy's neck following a match, and he served a one-game suspension last summer for missing the MLS All-Star Game.
The league's decision to clear Messi of wrongdoing in this latest incident comes as MLS continues to navigate the increased attention and scrutiny that accompanies having one of soccer's greatest players competing in North America.
