Leo Messi was involved with a locker room scuffle following Inter Miami’s season-opening defeat as MLS draws conclusion after viral video sparks questions
Inter Miami’s 2026 campaign began with a high-profile defeat in Los Angeles and an off-field controversy involving Leo Messi. The defending MLS Cup champions fell 3-0 to LAFC at the LA Memorial Coliseum in front of more than 75,000 spectators, but it was not only the scoreboard that drew attention.
Shortly after the final whistle, video circulated on social media appearing to show Messi moving toward an area near the officials’ locker room.
In the clip, teammate Luis Suárez can be seen nearby as the Argentine approached a doorway, prompting speculation that he may have attempted to enter a restricted space. Within hours, the incident became a talking point across MLS circles.
🚨🚨| BREAKING: Footage shows Lionel Messi trying to CONFRONT the referee after full-time, with Luis Suárez pulling him back to stop him entering the officials’ dressing room. 😳🇦🇷
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) February 22, 2026
League officials responded quickly, as the MLS conducted an internal review and determined that Messi had not breached league policy. The league confirmed that the door in question was not the referees’ locker room and did not constitute a restricted area.
Suggested Articles
Chris Rivett, director of communications for the Professional Referee Organization, reinforced that conclusion publicly.
“After speaking with match officials, we can confirm he did not enter the premises,” Rivett told ESPN.
David Martinez opened the scoring in the 38th minute, Denis Bouanga extended the lead in the 73rd, and Nathan Ordaz added a stoppage-time goal to seal the result. For a club entering the season with title expectations, the night was sobering.
Focus shifts back to football after review
While the video fueled debate online, those inside the club downplayed its significance. Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano said he was unaware of the situation at the time.
“No, no, no I didn’t see anything,” the coach said. “The truth is that the match finished and then I went into the locker room.”
The league’s final determination removed any threat of disciplinary action, allowing attention to return to the team’s performance and the start of a long season.
On the field, Inter Miami struggled to impose themselves. LAFC’s defensive organisation limited clear-cut opportunities, and the visitors failed to generate sustained attacking pressure despite Messi’s presence.
Martinez’s first-half strike shifted momentum, and Bouanga’s second goal effectively ended hopes of a comeback before Ordaz’s stoppage-time finish added gloss to the scoreline.
The defeat marked a frustrating beginning for a team widely expected to contend again. With the weight of defending champions, Inter Miami entered the season under heightened scrutiny.
