Messi cleared by MLS after review of post-match video

22 Feb 2026, 20:07 · CNA · Join

Feb 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) moves the ball against Los Angeles FC midfielder Mathieu Choinière (66) during the second half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-Imagn Images

FILE PHOTO: Dec 6, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) shakes hands with MLS commissioner Don Garber after winning the 2025 MLS Cup against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images/File Photo

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Feb 22 : Lionel Messi was cleared after a review by Major League Soccer determined that he did not violate any policy when he followed the match officials through a doorway following Inter Miami's season-opening 3-0 defeat at LAFC, a league spokesperson said on Sunday.

MLS reviewed the incident, which occurred on Saturday and was captured on video, and determined the area Messi entered was not the referees' locker room, nor was it a restricted area, and therefore no policy was violated, the spokesperson told Reuters.

In the video, Inter Miami's Luis Suarez is seen attempting to restrain Messi by the arm but the Argentine still managed to walk through the doorway in the bowels of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum before re-emerging moments later.

The spokesperson said restricted areas at the venue would have had clear signage.

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Inter Miami did not immediately respond when asked by Reuters for comment.

Defending champions Miami opened the season with a 3-0 loss in a game that drew 75,673 fans and was the highest-attended match in MLS opening weekend history.

Messi cleared by MLS after review of post-match video

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