Miami, Florida – Soccer superstar Lionel Messi expressed frustration when a new rule in Major League Soccer prevented him from immediately returning to the pitch after an injury check. Messi, playing for Inter Miami, was visibly upset on the sidelines as his team trailed 2-0 against Montréal.
The Argentine forward had to leave the field for treatment after a tackle from defender George Campbell resulted in a free-kick being awarded. Due to the MLS’ “Off-Field Treatment Rule,” Messi had to undergo evaluation for a minimum of two minutes, leaving him unable to return to play immediately.
Despite Messi’s absence during the free-kick, teammate Matías Rojas stepped up and scored a crucial goal to make the score 2-1, sparking a comeback for Inter Miami. The team went on to secure a 3-2 victory, extending their unbeaten run to seven games.
Following the match, Miami coach Gerardo Martino expressed the need for a revision of certain rules, particularly in situations like Messi’s injury. Martino highlighted how the two-minute rule would not have applied if Campbell had been penalized with a yellow or red card for the foul.
Martino criticized the current rules, emphasizing that in situations like Messi’s, where a clear foul occurred, the player responsible should receive appropriate punishment to avoid unnecessary interruptions in the game. The coach’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment among players and coaches regarding the need for more precise and fair officiating in professional soccer.
The incident involving Messi has prompted discussions about the implementation of rules and their impact on the flow and fairness of the game. As the soccer community continues to debate the effectiveness of current regulations, fans and experts alike await potential updates or changes to ensure a more seamless and equitable playing experience for all.