MLS Clears Messi of Misconduct After Referee Tunnel Incident

Messi cleared by MLS after LAFC incident

Messi not in trouble after entering restricted area following 3-0 loss to LAFC. Lionel Messi cleared by MLS after post-match incident at LAFC vs Inter Miami game. MLS reviews incident, finds no policy breach by Lionel Messi in LAFC match.

The spokesperson noted that restricted areas at the venue were clearly marked with signage...

Lionel Messi has been cleared by Major League Soccer after a review found he didn't breach any rules by following match officials through a doorway after Inter Miami's 3-0 loss to LAFC. The incident, captured on video, sparked investigation.

MLS reviewed the footage and determined Messi didn't enter a restricted area or the referees' locker room, meaning he didn't break any policies, a spokesperson said.

Luis Suarez tried to hold back Lionel Messi by grabbing his arm, but Messi still managed to make his way through a doorway in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum's tunnel. The Argentine superstar then reappeared moments later, unfazed by the brief restraint.

The spokesperson noted that restricted areas at the venue were clearly marked with signage, implying Messi wouldn't have entered an off-limits zone unknowingly. Inter Miami hasn't commented on the incident despite Reuters' request.

Son dishes, David Martínez feasts 🍽️@LAFC lead Messi and Miami. pic.twitter.com/iHMMHgBaBj

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 22, 2026

Meanwhile, defending champions Miami kicked off their season with a 3-0 loss, though the game itself was a notable event, drawing a record 75,673 fans, making it the highest-attended MLS opening weekend match.