Lionel Messi finds MLS loophole. | © Twitter (@_Linesman_)
Lionel Messi, the standout player for Inter Miami, reportedly grew visibly frustrated during a match against Montreal when he was required to take a seat for two minutes following a minor injury, as per ESPN.
The incident unfolded when Montreal’s George Campbell made a forceful charge towards Messi. The contact caused him to stumble and suffer a slight injury to his knee, leaving fans anxiously watching on.
However, Messi soon regained his footing and received aid from the medical team as he made his way to the sideline.
A recent amendment by Major League Soccer stipulates that if a player remains on the ground for 15 seconds or longer following an injury, they must stay on the field for two minutes.
Messi was visibly outraged by this new rule and was heard criticizing it in Spanish as he waited for the two minutes to end.
Cameras caught him saying, “With this kind of rule, we’re headed in the wrong direction.”
After the match, Miami coach Gerardo Martino stressed his anger without revising the rules.
He said, “In Leo’s situation, he was clearly fouled. The player deserved a yellow card, meaning Messi would’ve never left the field for two minutes. With these new rule changes, some situations must be revised.”
Despite Inter Miami ultimately securing victory with a 3-2 scoreline, Messi failed to add to his tally or provide any assists during the game, thus ending his impressive goal-scoring streak.
