Messi Avoids Red Card in 3-3 Draw With San Jose

Inter Miami CF and the San Jose Earthquakes played to a 3-3 draw at PayPal Park, with Lionel Messi narrowly avoiding a post-match red card due to the intervention of Earthquakes coach Bruce Arena. Arena stepped in after Messi, frustrated by a late non-call and a yellow card, confronted the referees, and later said it would have been 'ridiculous' to send Messi off. Despite recent struggles, including defensive lapses and the absence of Luis Suárez, Inter Miami remains a dangerous opponent with Messi contributing five goals and three assists in nine MLS matches this season. Arena emphasized that focusing solely on Messi is a mistake, given Miami's overall talent. The draw provided a much-needed point for Inter Miami as they seek to stabilize their form. Both teams continue to vie for critical points in the MLS standings.