Major League Soccer (MLS) recently cleared Lionel Messi of any wrongdoing after a match against LAFC. After Miami’s 3-0 loss, Messi was seen approaching match officials in a video shared by Síntesis Deportes reporter Giovanni Guerrero. Although Messi seemed frustrated, Miami teammate Luis Suárez quickly stepped in to calm him down.
An MLS spokesperson confirmed that the area Messi entered was not restricted. “It was not the referee’s locker room,” they stated. After reviewing the incident, the league found no violations of their policies. Chris Rivett, from the Professional Referee Organization (Pro), backed this, affirming that Messi did not access the officials’ locker room.
This incident caught attention online and reminded fans of a similar situation involving FC Cincinnati player Matt Miazga. Last year, Miazga faced a three-match suspension for confronting referees after a playoff match, though his punishment was later reduced. His situation also revolved around entering the officials’ space, leading to a debate about player conduct towards referees.
Messi has a history of vocalizing his frustrations with officiating. After another match against Orlando City SC in 2025, he expressed concerns about an uncalled foul that led to a goal. “Sometimes there are errors in critical moments,” he told Apple TV, suggesting MLS should improve officiating standards.
These recurring issues may indicate a larger trend. Recent surveys of players suggest that many feel officiating in MLS needs improvement. According to a 2023 study by the American Soccer Coaches Association, over 60% of players reported dissatisfaction with officiating decisions impacting their games.
Interestingly, Messi has faced some penalties in MLS, but none were related to his comments about referees. He was fined for an altercation with a coach and served a suspension for missing an All-Star Game. As the spotlight continues to shine on Messi’s actions, the league may find itself under more scrutiny regarding player and referee interactions.
For more on how MLS is handling these situations, you can read insights from The Guardian’s coverage of the topic here.
