MLS officially confirmed that Lionel Messi will not receive a disciplinary sanction following his visible annoyance with the refereeing after Inter Miami CF’s 3-0 loss to Los Angeles FC.
The match, played at the Rose Bowl, ended with tension in the air and Messi exchanging words with referee Pierre-Luc Lauziere at the end of the match. Images of the Argentine captain attempting to approach the officials’ area generated speculation about a possible fine or suspension. However, after reviewing the official videos and referee reports, Major League Soccer determined that the player did not violate the protocols established by the league’s disciplinary regulations.
Why didn’t MLS punish Messi?
According to MLS regulations, entering restricted areas or engaging in intimidating behavior towards the referee’s staff may result in financial penalties or suspensions.
In this case, the review concluded that:
Messi did not cross the restricted perimeters.
There was no physical contact with the referee.
There were no insults or aggressive behavior.
He was restrained by teammate Luis Suárez.
MLS considered it to be an emotional reaction by Messi out of sporting frustration, something that did not meet the disciplinary threshold.
What this means for Inter Miami
For the team led by Javier Mascherano, the decision represents peace of mind at a key moment at the start of the 2026 season.
Messi will be available without restrictions for the next official matches.
After a tough loss to LAFC, Inter Miami needs to pick up points quickly to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference.
The team also continues to play away games as it makes the transition to its new stadium in South Florida.
The soccer player did not violate the established protocols
QuéOnnda.com
The Florida Classic is coming
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The next match will be against Orlando City SC, in a new edition of the Florida Classic.
This duel always generates high expectations among the Hispanic community in the United States, especially in Florida, where Inter Miami has a strong Latino fan base.
For fans in the U.S., the news is relevant because it guarantees Lionel Messi’s presence in one of the most attractive matches on the MLS calendar.
It also keeps the club’s sporting strategy intact in the defense of its objectives for the 2026 season.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
