Lionel Messi has questioned MLS officiating, claiming that the referee in Inter Miami’s clash with Orlando City "didn’t know the rules"
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Argentine icon has clashed with officialsLeft frustrated at questionable decisionsHerons have been struggling for resultsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Argentine superstar has been quick to air his frustrations over recent weeks, with Inter Miami enduring an uncharacteristic wobble that has delivered five defeats through their last seven games in all competitions.
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowAdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Messi grabbed a rival coach by the neck following a dramatic draw with New York City FC in February, before angrily confronting the match officials at the end of a stalemate against the San Jose Earthquakes – with former USMNT coach Bruce Arena saving him from a red card there.
DID YOU KNOW?
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also had a bone to pick with those in charge of making important on-field decisions after seeing Inter Miami suffer a derby defeat to Florida neighbours Orlando.
GettyWHAT LIONEL MESSI SAID
He told : “We had a great first half, we were attacking, creating scoring chances. Then there was a strange play where one of their players gave the [Orlando] goalkeeper a pass and the referee said, he told me, he didn’t know the rule and didn’t see it that way.
“From there came their long pass and the goal. Sometimes there are errors in critical moments. It happened in the last game, too. Not excuses, but there are always issues with referees and I think MLS has to look at some of the officiating.”