According to journalist Favian Renkel, Lionel Messi will not be punished by the MLS for his comments on the refereeing during Inter Miami’s 3-0 loss to Orlando City last Sunday (April 18).
The Argentine skipper criticized the referee for a decision in the build-up to Orlando’s first goal and questioned the competence of referees in the league. While speaking to Apple TV in the aftermath of the 3-0 loss, Messi said, as quoted by World Soccer Talk:
There were speculations that Messi could face disciplinary action from the MLS for his comments. The Inter Miami skipper was also involved in a confrontation with officials during the Herons’ 3-3 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes days before the Orlando fixture, which saw him receive a yellow card.
However, as per Renkel, the MLS has decided not to fine Messi for either of the incidents. He wrote on X:
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have endured a difficult start to the 2025 MLS campaign. The Herons have recorded six wins from 13 league matches and just one from their last seven outings across competitions. They have also been eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup, losing 5-1 on aggregate to Vancouver Whitecaps in the semifinal.
Questions have started to be raised about Javier Mascherano’s ability to lead the team amid their struggles. The Florida-based outfit sits sixth in the Eastern Conference of the MLS.
Lionel Messi spoke about Inter Miami’s poor form after the side’s 3-0 loss to Orlando City in the Florida derby last Sunday. He urged his teammates to be united as they look to overcome the difficult period.
He said:
Messi has also endured a difficult campaign as he has struggled with fitness issues. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has five goals and two assists in 10 MLS games so far.
A Chelsea fan, Okenna had his first tryst with Blues in 2006, after fellow countryman John Mikel Obi joined the west London club. He was immediately drawn to the brilliance of players like Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, John Terry and Didier Drogba.
Okenna is a huge fan of Lionel Messi for his exceptional talent. He also admires Jose Mourinho for his achievements with various clubs which proves he’s a tactical and disciplined manger as well as a serial winner.
Some of Okenna’s prospective career landmarks include working as an international journalist and covering a FIFA World Cup game live from the stadium. When not writing, he loves watching, movies and reading books.
Quick Links
