Inter Miami and MLS adjusting media policy for Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi has yet to do an interview with the media outside of MLS’ rights holding media companies Jim Rassol/USA TODAY NETWORK
The media crush surrounding Lionel Messi has forced Inter Miami and MLS to “make special accommodations every place he plays in order to keep the Argentine star and media members safe,” according to Michelle Kaufman of the MIAMI HERALD. Messi, who was “not accustomed to granting many interviews in the past,” is working with the club and league to “find ways to make him more accessible without creating a safety hazard.” Due to size limitations, DRV PNK Stadium and many other MLS venues are “not able to accommodate hundreds of journalists inside a locker room after the match.” There were “approximately 400 credentialed media” at Red Bull Arena on Saturday for the Inter Miami game, so a “tent was set up near a loading dock for the post-game interviews with the two coaches and a barricade was set up nearby for reporters to speak to select players.” Messi has “not conducted any interviews after the nine games he played other than on the field with rights holders” (MIAMI HERALD, 8/29).
