Messi Unhappy With MLS Sideline Rule Despite Miami Victory

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi expressed his anger over the new Major League Soccer rule that forces an injured player to the sideline for two minutes, saying, “These types of rules…it’s going bad,” after exiting the pitch during a 3-2 victory over host Montréal on Saturday night.

In the 40th minute of the match, Montréal defender George Campbell fouled the Argentine forward, forcing him to go down immediately while holding his knee. Miami’s medical staff rushed to the scene to attend to the player, but Campbell did not receive a yellow card for the incident.

Because of new MLS regulations, “If the referee stops play due to a potential player injury in which the player remains on the ground for more than 15 seconds and the medical staff enters the field of play, the player may be required to leave the field of play for two minutes.”

 

Messi exited the pitch in a crucial moment, after the foul inspired a free kick for Miami in a prime position for the player to score.

 

During his brief stint on the sideline, the player turned to the camera to express disdain while angrily shaking his head.

 

Following the game, Miami coach Gerardo Martino expressed the team’s frustration over the new rule by adding: “There are situations that must be revised.