“Messi at risk of punishment in the MLS after incident with referee in loss to LAFC.”

Last night, Inter Miami suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat against LAFC in the MLS opener, and Argentine star Lionel Messi was unable to prevent his team from leaving the field empty-handed. Despite playing the entire match, Messi, who dealt with a recent injury sustained during a friendly against Barcelona SC in Ecuador, could not make the impact that fans had hoped for.

The game was marked by clear frustration from the star, who did not hold back in his criticism of referee Pierre-Luc Lauziere. Although he tried to create opportunities on the field, his dissatisfaction became evident, culminating in an explosive incident after the final whistle. While many saw Messi greeting his teammates and LAFC players, such as Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-Min, what transpired off the field was what truly shocked fans.

A video that quickly went viral shows Messi being restrained by Luis Suárez as he attempted to confront the referees after the match. The tension was palpable, and Messi appeared determined to express his discontent, but it was Suárez who steered him away. The scene left many questioning what might have happened had there not been intervention. “Lionel Messi was very angry, and it was Luis Suárez who had to hold him back,” commented one spectator of the incident.

The repercussions of this behavior could be significant for Messi. Major League Soccer is investigating the incident, and analysts are already warning that the player may face punishment, which is not unprecedented in the league. Reporter Franco Panizo recalled the case of Matt Miazga, a defender for FC Cincinnati, who in 2023 faced a three-game suspension for misconduct, including entering the referees’ locker room after a match. This comparison raises concerns among Inter Miami fans, who fear that the Argentine star may face a similar situation.

The next challenge for Inter Miami will be against Orlando City on March 1, 2026, at home, at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida. With pressure mounting and the possibility of seeing Messi sidelined, the team’s supporters are on high alert. What will happen next? The spectacle promises to be electrifying, but the consequences of what occurred last night are still to be determined.