Inter Miami’s debut in the 2026 MLS season could not have been more bitter. The reigning champions were not only wiped off the field with a 3-0 win over LAFC, but their captain, Lionel Messi, staged an off-camera incident that has set social media ablaze.
Messi seeks to confront referees in the dressing room
MESSI LOST HIS HEAD! 😡
The 🇦🇷 was furious after the defeat and went after the referees.
Suarez tried to contain it!
via gioxguerrero pic.twitter.com/3LYG2aFMlj
– ESPN.com.mx (@ESPNmx) February 22, 2026
After the final whistle at the Memorial Coliseum, a video began to circulate showing a visibly upset Messi.
In the images, the “10” seems to have the intention of entering the referees’ locker room to continue complaining about the development of the match.
It was his friend and teammate, Luis Suarez, who had to physically intervene.
The Uruguayan is shown holding Messi, giving him a couple of tugs and talking in his ear to try to calm him down and get him away from the restricted area.
Despite Suarez’s best efforts, the Argentine was seen leaving the scene with a look of obvious annoyance.
MLS responds: Will there be punishment?
🚨 ⚽️ 🐐 UPDATE: MLS saw a video of Messi following referees after the match last night, investigated. Chris Rivett, director of communications for the Professional Referees Organization, confirmed that Messi did not enter the officials’ locker room. ✅️… pic.twitter.com/7u5m4Vh9LU
– Sebas Crackbol (@Crackbol10) February 22, 2026
Given the virality of the images and rumors of a possible sanction for “trespassing in a restricted area,” Major League Soccer conducted an internal review on Sunday.
To the relief of Inter Miami fans, the league determined that Messi did not violate any policy.
“We can confirm that Messi did not enter the referees’ facilities,” said Chris Rivett, director of communications for the Professional Referees Organization.
According to the official report, the space where Messi was located was not considered a restricted area at the time, so there will be no disciplinary punishment.
For his part, coach Javier Mascherano preferred to stay out of the controversy: “I didn’t see anything, the truth is that the game ended and I went to the locker room,” he said after the defeat.
A night to forget in Los Angeles
New Year. Same Denis.
Thrill of the Match | @Yaamava pic.twitter.com/AeYyA8d7UG
– LAFC (@LAFC) February 22, 2026
In sporting terms, Inter Miami was a shadow of the champion team.
With goals from Venezuela’s David Martinez, Gabon’s Denis Bouanga and El Salvador’s Nathan Ordaz, LAFC spoiled the party for the hundreds of fans hoping to see Leo shine.
Although Messi started the match and was recovered from his physical discomfort, the aggressiveness of the Los Angeles team neutralized any attempt by the star to turn the score around, triggering the explosive reaction that today is going around the world.
Filed under: Messi dressing room referees
