Furious Lionel Messi restrained by Luis Suarez while confronting referee in Inter Miami match
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Mirror or go back to LFC Live.
Furious Lionel Messi Restrained by Luis Suarez While Confronting Referee in Inter Miami Match
In a dramatic start to the 2026 MLS season, Inter Miami suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC (LAFC) at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on February 21, 2026. LAFC dominated the match, with goals from David Martínez, Denis Bouanga, and Nathan Ordaz, while stars like Son Heung-min and Hugo Lloris showcased their prowess against Javier Mascherano's side.
Lionel Messi, playing the full 90 minutes despite a recent injury concern from a friendly against Barcelona SC, generated some chances but couldn't spark a comeback. Frustration mounted over several controversial refereeing decisions by Pierre-Luc Lauziere, which Inter Miami felt unfairly influenced the outcome.
The real drama unfolded post-whistle. Viral videos captured a visibly furious Messi storming toward the tunnel and match officials, intent on confrontation. Teammate Luis Suárez physically intervened, restraining the 38-year-old Argentine and guiding him away to prevent escalation. Messi, known for his composure throughout a legendary career, appeared uncharacteristically enraged by the officiating.
Initially, Messi exchanged handshakes with opponents like Bouanga and Son, but the clip showed his anger boiling over shortly after. Reports suggest he even entered the officials' area before rejoining his team.
The incident has sparked debate over potential MLS disciplinary action. Critics compare it to FC Cincinnati's Matt Miazga, who received a three-game suspension in 2023 for similar post-match misconduct toward referees. MLS Commissioner Don Garber holds discretion on sanctions, leaving Messi's status uncertain ahead of Inter Miami's next clash against Orlando City on March 1.
Despite last season's triumphs under Messi's leadership, this loss highlights early pressures. Speculation persists about a possible return to Newell's Old Boys in 2027, though his Inter Miami contract runs until 2028.
(Word count: 298)