Lionel Messi expressed his frustration with Major League Soccer’s new unusual rule by addressing the camera directly while sidelined during the match against Montreal on Saturday.
The new rule mandates players to stay off the field for two minutes if they receive medical attention from the team.
Lionel Messi fumes in front of camera
During Saturday’s game, the Inter Miami star experienced the effects of this regulation while his team trailed 2-0 against the Canadian opponents. As he stood in front of the camera, Messi’s dissatisfaction was captured by the broadcast.
”With this kind of rule, we’re headed in the wrong direction,” the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner lamented in the 43rd minute of the match, as posted in a video on X.
Las nuevas reglas de #MLS obligan a que si el equipo médico entra a asistir a un jugador, este permanecerá fuera del campo 2 mins. #Messi ha dicho a la cámara "con este tipo de reglas, mal vamos".
Se equivoca: con esta regla los jugadores pierden menos tiempo fingiendo lesiones. pic.twitter.com/pSCqaStoqf
— Jaime Ojeda (@jaimeor96) May 12, 2024
While the rule aims to deter players from wasting time by feigning injuries, it also has the potential to strategically sideline key players from the opposing team, with Messi serving as a prominent example.
Lionel Messi expressed his frustration with Major League Soccer’s unconventional new rule during a live TV broadcast against Montreal.
Matias Rojas steps up in Messi’s absence to ignite a dramatic comeback
Despite Messi being off the pitch, Inter Miami managed to score when Matias Rojas converted a free kick from approximately 50 yards out. In a situation where Messi would typically take the set piece, Rojas stepped up and ignited a comeback for the Herons.
Messi off the pitch for a free kick? No problem for Matias Rojas!
A stunner to pull one back for Miami in Montreal. pic.twitter.com/tqxI2gYiGu
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 12, 2024
Luis Suarez leveled the game in the third minute of added time just before halftime.
Following the intermission, Benjamin Cremaschi propelled Miami into the lead with a goal in the 59th minute. The scoreline remained unchanged until the final whistle.
Despite goals from Bryce Duke in the 22nd minute and Jules-Anthony Vilsaint ten minutes later, Montreal witnessed their lead slip away.
Inter Miami leads on table standings
Inter Miami continues to lead the Eastern Conference with 27 points and a record of 8 wins, 2 losses, and 3 draws (8-2-3). They will remain on the road for their next match against Orlando City on May 15, aiming to extend their winning streak to six games.
In contrast, Montreal has slipped to the 12th position in the standings with 12 points and a record of 3 wins, 5 losses, and 3 draws (3-5-3). Their upcoming match will also be at home as they host the defending champions, Columbus Crew, on the 15th.
