Following Inter Miami’s recent defeat to Orlando City, Lionel Messi expressed his frustration with the refereeing errors and the need for MLS to take action.
Messi criticizes refereeing errors
The Argentine star, visibly affected by the 0-3 defeat, pointed out that the team had a good first half, but a refereeing error changed the course of the match.
“I think we had a great first half today. We were attacking, creating situations, they couldn’t get out, they were kicking long balls,” said Messi.
Lionel Messi
Messi explained that a doubtful play, where the referee admitted not knowing the rule, led to a goal for the opposing team. The player emphasized that this situation is not an isolated incident and that they have already suffered questionable refereeing decisions in other matches.
“But the truth is that sometimes there are specific errors… They are not excuses, but something always happens with the referees in some specific play. I think MLS should look a little more at the issue of referees,” he added.
Lionel Messi
Messi specifically referred to Orlando City’s first goal, which arose after a controversial play where Inter Miami claimed a pass back to the goalkeeper.
The referee did not consider the play a back-pass, and the opposing team took advantage of the situation to score the first goal of the match.
This defeat marks the fifth in the last seven matches for Inter Miami, adding MLS and Concacaf Champions Cup matches.
Messi acknowledged the pain of the defeat, but emphasized the importance of continuing to work and focusing on the next matches.
“The truth is that it does hurt to lose another match. We were coming from a bad period of results but we have to keep working and think about what’s coming. We have three or four matches left to finish the month in the best way to then face the Club World Cup,” said Messi.
Lionel Messi
Furthermore, Messi emphasized the importance of team unity in these difficult times, referring to the need to show strength as a group.
“Now it’s really going to be seen if we are a team, in difficult moments, because when everything is going well it’s very easy, but when difficult moments arrive like now, that’s when we have to be more united than ever, be a real team and bring it forward. I think we have what it takes, so now to think about what’s coming and prepare for the Philadelphia game,” he indicated.
Lionel Messi
Inter Miami, which has players like Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, is going through a complicated period, with obvious defensive problems.
The team has conceded 20 goals in its last seven matches, showing worrying defensive fragility.
