(foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Lionel Messi confronted the referee after Inter Miami’s 3-3 draw with San Jose, narrowly avoiding a red card in a tense post-match exchange as frustrations mount in MLS.
Lionel Messi was involved in a tense exchange with referee Joe Dickerson following Inter Miami’s 3-3 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes, as the Argentine icon’s frustration boiled over after another disappointing result.
Miami have now recorded just one win in their last six MLS matches, and the mounting pressure was visible in Messi’s post-match reaction. As the final whistle blew, he approached Dickerson and began pointing and exchanging heated words with the official.
According to on-field reports, the referee responded firmly: “Do you want me to send you off? Walk away!” Messi did back off—but continued to gesture and protest toward the official even after walking away.
San Jose coach Bruce Arena stepped in to diffuse the situation. He later explained, “He was obviously not happy. I really wanted to make sure he wasn’t going to get a red card. That would have been ridiculous.”
“There’s a universal language when you’re talking about referees,” Arena added. “I just tried to move him out of the way to make sure he’s ready to play the next game for Miami.”
Losing Messi to suspension would have been a major setback for Inter Miami, who currently sit fifth in the Eastern Conference, six points off the top. The draw against San Jose only intensified concerns over their form.
Despite the team’s inconsistency, Messi has remained a standout performer, scoring 10 goals and registering three assists in 15 appearances this season. However, his visible frustration highlights growing urgency within the Miami camp to turn results around.