Did Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi break MLS rules again? Why Argentine icon can get away with it

MLS rules dictate that every player must be made available for press duty after each passing fixture, and there is obvious interest in anything and everything that Messi does. He was, however, held back by Inter Miami following his MLS debut against New York Red Bulls.

The same was true following a goalless stalemate in Florida against Nashville, with the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner having given just one press conference – in which he spoke through a translator – since completing his stunning move to the United States as a free agent.

A statement released through the Miami Herald has, however, revealed that Messi will not be sanctioned over his media silence. MLS has said: “There was a misunderstanding regarding Lionel Messi’s media access. He has not violated any guidelines for his media availability.”

Teams can get around the media regulations rules through open locker room access, or by bringing out certain players for interviews and press conferences, and MLS has revealed that a review of press policies was already underway prior to Messi’s arrival in America.