Lionel Messi Confronts Referees After Inter Miami Defeat

Lionel Messi angrily followed match officials into the locker room after Inter Miami lost 3-0 to LAFC in their MLS opener. Luis Suárez restrained him moments later. The league will review the incident, similar to the 2023 case of Matt Miazga. Inter Miami next faces Orlando City on March 1.

For the first match of the 2026 MLS season, Lionel Messi cut a furious figure after Inter Miami suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat against LAFC at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum. Goals from David Martinez, Denis Bouanga and Nathan Ordaz sealed a dominant win for the home side, who were playing their first league game under new manager Marc Dos Santos.

Video footage from the tunnel showed Messi following the match officials into their locker room in visible anger after the final whistle. His teammate, Luis Suárez attempted to restrain him and eventually managed to guide him away after only a few seconds inside the room. The incident has raised questions about possible disciplinary action. There is a recent precedent in MLS, with FC Cincinnati defender Matt Miazga previously receiving a suspension for similar behavior in 2023.

The MLS Disciplinary Committee is now expected to review Messi’s actions and decide whether punishment is necessary. Inter Miami’s next fixture comes on March 1 against rivals Orlando City, where attention will be on whether Messi is available and how the team responds after an emphatic opening day loss.