Lionel Messi made headlines again on the weekend – but not everyone was positive – after Miami’s 2-2 draw with New York City.
Messi played a key role in Miami’s final game, with his threads passing the ball to allow Telesco Segovia to evenly balance the 2-2 pulsation draw.
The Argentine superstar earlier assisted the Miami opener with Toto Aviles.
Aviles was then dispatched, with goals from New York (Mitja Ilenic) and Alonso Martinez making the most of their goals, hoping to have an impressive opening weekend for the new MLS season Victory until late intervention in Segovia.
So, why is Messi criticized?
Messi is not common, but he is obviously angry at the performance of referee Rosendo Mendoza.
Not only was Miami unhappy with the Aviles’ red card, but he hadn’t fired New York’s Strahinja Tanasijević before halftime.
Messi continued to condemn Mendoza in the last whistle, actively hunting him down and pointing in his face before showing a yellow card.
Conflict with the balloon
Messi is not finished yet, and while walking towards the touchline, a chat with New York assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy is involved in the volume.
From the beginning it seemed quite amiable, but initially walking away, Messi turned around and squeezed the back of Ballouchy’s neck, seemingly signaling the couple to meet inside.
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The true face of “humble Lionel Messi”.
He kept disrespectful to the referee until he was booked and then continued to grab their assistant coach.
Embarrassing behavior. boy.pic.twitter.com/6lyg6repax
– CR7 timeline. (@timelinecr7) February 23, 2025
What will happen now?
The MLS Discipline Committee will of course review every game.
The committee consists of former MLS referee, former MLS coach and three former MLS players.
If Messi’s actions are not part of the committee’s parameters, the league can still enact sanctions.
What will Messi be accused of?
At the time, Mendoza dealt with the fact that his condemnation of the contest officials was impossible to review.
However, the conflict with Ballouchy is not.
The MLS Guide includes a rule that witnesses the face, head and/or neck of an opponent, which prompts or escalates a personal event (determined by the Discipline Committee) to receive a minimum fine.
If the committee believes the fine is not enough, they can ban him from playing one or more games.
What does Miami boss Mascherano say?
Javier Mascherano refused to discuss Messi’s behavior directly, but made him dissatisfied with Mendoza’s display.
He said: “We have no control over how the referee decides to preside over the ceremony, and I don’t want to give an opinion because one day they will favor you, another day they don’t. That’s it.
“And I don’t believe in bad intentions, far from that. They have the right to make mistakes like we all make mistakes.”
Mascherano did pick out the compliments from his former Argentine colleague and added: “Messi is the soul of this team. You see this on the court. He is a kid and he doesn’t want to lose.
“So, for us, it’s a big advantage. So we just need to keep him that spirit. Because it’s not just what he does on the court.
“That’s what he’s transformed into a teammate and what he’s done in 37 years. He’s not only playing on the offense, he’s also helping us with defense, running the centre-back, the whole midfield. So he’s great.”
What’s next for Miami and Messi?
Miami returned to action Tuesday night when they faced Kansas City in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League first-round tie.
Messi scored his only goal in his first game last week due to the cold weather.
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