On February 22, in the MLS season opener, defending champions Inter Miami suffered a 0-3 defeat against LAFC. Superstar Lionel Messi struggled throughout the match, receiving a low rating of 6.6, playing the full 90 minutes, with 4 shots (none on target), 2 dribbles (1 successful), and losing possession 23 times — the most in the game. Media jokingly remarked that Messi might be missing his former teammates Alba and Busquets.
In the 87th minute, Messi was closely marked on the right wing, fell while attempting a directional dribble, and the referee did not call a foul, which visibly frustrated him.
After the match, Messi appeared calm while exchanging jerseys with opponents. However, video footage from ESPN showed him storming into the referee locker room in anger, with teammate Luis Suarez trying unsuccessfully to restrain him. A few seconds later, Messi left the locker room, seemingly unable to find the person he intended to confront. The exact target of Messi’s confrontation remains unclear, and MLS has confirmed that it will investigate the incident.
