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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sport
Jeff Rueter and Pablo Iglesias Maurer

Lionel Messi’s referee confrontation in tunnel did not violate policy, MLS says

Lionel Messi MLS Matt Miazga Inter Miami LAFC Miami Luis Suárez Apple TV+ FC Cincinnati
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi reacts after a goal by Los Angeles FC during the first half of an MLS soccer match , Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Lionel Messi was held scoreless in a season-opening loss for Inter Miami. Photograph: Jessie Alcheh/AP

Major League Soccer has cleared Lionel Messi of wrongdoing after the Argentinian appeared to pursue match officials after Inter Miami’s season-opening loss to LAFC on Saturday evening.

In a video posted to X by Síntesis Deportes reporter Giovanni Guerrero, Messi appears to confront match officials as they entered a doorway within the LA Coliseum after the match, a 3-0 win for LAFC. Miami forward Luis Suárez is seen restraining Messi, who slips out of his teammate’s grip and disappears behind a door. He emerged seconds later and retreated with Suárez to Miami’s locker room.

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