Messi Criticizes MLS Refereeing After Inter Miami 3-0 Loss

Following Inter Miami's 3-0 home defeat to Orlando City, Lionel Messi publicly criticized Major League Soccer's refereeing standards, demanding the league review the performance of officials after a controversial call led to Orlando's opening goal. Messi highlighted that the referee admitted unfamiliarity with the back-pass rule, which resulted in a disallowed indirect free-kick and ultimately the goal, fueling his frustration. He called for unity within his team amid their poor form, as Inter Miami has won only once in their last seven matches and currently sits sixth in the standings. Messi's comments came despite MLS policies prohibiting public criticism of officials, with his statements initially posted but then removed from the league's Spanish-language channels. The Argentine captain also emphasized that refereeing mistakes are a recurring issue in MLS and urged the league to address this problem to ensure fairness. His remarks follow a string of disappointing results for Inter Miami, who face a challenging schedule ahead while preparing for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.