There are always issues — Messi says MLS must change refereeing after Orlando defeat
i

Lionel Messi speaking after an Inter Miami game || Image credit: World soccer talk

There are always issues — Messi says MLS must change refereeing after Orlando defeat

Faruq Ibrahim 17:41 - 19.05.2025

Argentina star Lionel Messi criticised the refereeing in Major League Soccer after their defeat to Orlando.

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi was highly critical of the officiating in Major League Soccer after Orlando beat his side, their fifth defeat in seven matches in all competitions.

BREAKING:::: PAY ATTENTION: Get N1000 free from Bet9ja

Inter Miami lose again 

As Pulse Sports reported, Inter Miami suffered another defeat, losing 3-0 to Orlando City in a Florida derby, with their last win coming on May 3, and are struggling to find positive results under Javier Mascherano.

Following another disappointing result at Chase Stadium against Orlando, talismanic club captain Messi shared his thoughts with Apple TV. He challenged the team to rouse themselves and escape the rut, but he also blamed external factors, specifically the refereeing on offer.

What Messi said about the referee

“We had a great first half; we were attacking, creating scoring chances,” Messi said. “Then there was a strange play where one of their players gave the [Orlando] goalkeeper a pass and the referee said, he told me, he didn’t know the rule and didn’t see it that way.

Lionel Messi
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi. Credit: Imago. Lionel Messi in action for Inter Miami in 2025 (Credit: Imago)

“From there came their long pass and the goal. Sometimes there are errors in critical moments. It happened in the last game, too. Not excuses, but there are always issues with referees and I think MLS has to look at some of the officiating.”

While they were beaten in the playoffs last season, Inter Miami convincingly won the Supporters Shield under Tata Martino. This term, they have been knocked out of the Champions Cup and are currently 6th in the Eastern Conference.

Tags: