MLS looking into reported footage of Lionel Messi accessing officials’ locker area.
Major League Soccer is looking into claims that Lionel Messi accessed the officials’ locker room without permission after the match between Inter Miami and LAFC on Saturday at the LA Memorial Coliseum.
MLS became aware of the situation when a video surfaced showing the Inter Miami captain seemingly entering the referees’ area briefly.
Chris Rivett, the director of communications for the Professional Referee Organization, confirmed to ESPN that Messi did not enter the officials’ locker room.
“After consulting with match officials, we can confirm he did not enter the premises,” Rivett stated.
The MLS Disciplinary Committee typically announces all decisions prior to the next round of matches; however, the time taken for deliberation can differ based on the investigation. Players also have the option to appeal the ruling, which could further postpone the announcement of any decision.
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Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano stated he did not observe Messi being upset when asked if the player was dissatisfied with the officiating during the match.
“No, no, no I didn’t see anything. The truth is that the match concluded and then I went into the locker room,” he remarked in the post-match press conference.
Inter Miami’s next match is against Orlando City on March 1 at Inter&Co Stadium.
