Fernando Romero Nuñez Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi publicly made his feelings known on refereeing standards in Major League Soccer (MLS) on Sunday night. The Qatar 2022-winner urged the U.S. league to review the work of current referees after a 3-0 loss at the Chase Stadium in the Florida Derby against Orlando SC.
In a post-match interview, Messi insisted Inter Miami had their rivals against the ropes, until Orlando scored from a controversial play that went unpunished by referee Guido Gonzalez.
In the 42nd minute, striker Iván Angulo intercepted a wayward throw-in by the Herons and passed it to goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, who picked up the ball after controlling with his feet. Gallese immediately sent a long pass to Colombian striker Luis Muriel which resulted in the opener for the visitors. The offending pass should have resulted in an indirect free-kick from a close proximity Gallese’ net.
“The referee later told me he didn’t know that rule,” the Argentine star insisted. “He said it didn’t look like that to him, that he didn’t understand what I said.”
Messi went on to add there are often times where MLS referees make “specific mistakes” and that the MLS “should look into the issue of refereeing.”
Inter Miami are in the middle of their worst run of form in the season. After leading the Eastern Conference in April with a run of seven games unbeaten, they have now only won once of their last five and sit sixth in the standings.
“It hurts to lose another game,” Messi said. “We have to keep going, it is a tough moment. We have to be united, we will see if we are a team in these moments”.
The Herons have three more games in the MLS, where they visit Philadelphia Union on Saturday before hosting Montreal on May 28 and Columbus on May 31. After that, the league will be on pause while the U.S. hosts the 2025 FIFA Club World Club. Inter Miami are set to compete as part of Group A alongside Egypt’s Al-Ahli, Portugal’s Porto and Brazil’s Palmeiras.
Doubts over Messi’s future
The Argentine star also refused to talk about a potential contract renewal. With his current deal with Inter Miami set to expire in December 2025, rumours swirling around the star are increasing.
Asked on the matter after the game against Orlando SC, the former FC Barcelona and PSG star said he “knew nothing,” before giving the interviewer a smile and slipping away.
However, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano remained optimistic.
“Hopefully in the next few weeks we’ll have some news about Leo,” the former Argentina men’s national football team captain told MLS broadcaster Apple TV. “I think it’ll be very important for the club, for the fans, and for the MLS.”
