Where was the bodyguard? Messi clashes with referee after controversial MLS decisions
Lars Foster
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors
The new MLS season kicked off on the night of February 23 in the Eastern Conference, with Inter Miami and Lionel Messi playing their first match. However, the start was anything but smooth, as the Herons were forced to play 68 minutes with ten men after Tomás Avilés was sent off. After the match, Messi couldn't hide his frustration.
Details: At the final whistle, the Argentine approached referee Rosendo Mendoza to voice his displeasure over the officiating. Mendoza attempted to defuse the situation, but Messi persisted, leading the referee to show him a yellow card in an attempt to calm him down. Even that didn't work.
The confrontation lasted around 30 seconds before Messi turned his attention to the assistant referee. The situation escalated further until Inter Miami staff intervened and escorted Messi down the tunnel.
Reminder: The match between Inter Miami and New York City ended in a 2-2 draw, with Telasco Segovia scoring a dramatic equalizer in the 90+10th minute. Messi contributed two assists in the season opener.
