'Didn’t know the rule!' - Lionel Messi slams MLS referees as Inter Miami superstar calls on league to 'look at' standards of officiating

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.

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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.

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.

He told Apple TV: “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.”

Messi is, as the most decorated player of all-time, a born winner and will never take losing lightly. He demands the highest standards of himself and those around him, with more major silverware being chased down in 2025.