Lionel Messi was visibly upset that he could not get back onto the pitch immediately for a free-kick after receiving treatment in the dying embers of the first 45 due to a new MLS rule.
Messi was taken down following a mistimed tackle in the 40th minute of the Major League Soccer affair involving CF Montreal and Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi received medical attention on the pitch before proceeding to the touchline, however, he was keen on returning to the turf following a free-kick awarded to the Herons in the 42nd minute.
The Argentine was still on the touchline around that time frame getting patched up, and following the completion of his treatment, he tried to come on to take the free-kick.
New MLS Rule Which Lionel Messi Was Agitated About
However, he wasn’t allowed due to a new Major League Soccer (MLS) rule that requires players who receive treatment to wait two minutes before coming back onto the pitch.
Messi appeared agitated by the rule and he expressed his disdain for it, saying via footage captured that “these kinds of rules are not good”.
Subsequently, teammate Matias Rojas stepped up to take the free-kick and he bent a curling effort over the wall and into the top corner, beating a hapless Jonathan Sirois in goal for CF Montreal.
The influence of Lionel Messi is apparently being seen in his teammates, as the free-kick had a semblance with that of the Argentine icon.
Inter Miami’s Comeback Win Over CF Montreal
Inter Miami was initially trailing by 2 goals before the free-kick was scored, and that goal looked like it gingered their spirit to engineer a comeback in the game.
Luis Suarez afterward put Tata Martino’s side level pegging in the 3rd minute of added time in the first 45, with Benjamin Cremaschi completing the comeback in the 59th minute following a delightful attacking move involving Messi.
Inter Miami are having an impressive season thus far, as they sit at the summit of the Eastern Conference, with 27 points from 13 league matches.
The Herons are 3 points better than 2nd-placed FC Cincinnati, who have amassed 24 points from 12 games.
Moreover, Lionel Messi has made 12 appearances this campaign for Inter Miami, scoring 12 goals and providing 11 assists in all competitions.
The 36-year-old has his sights on several ambitions this year, at club and international level, with Inter Miami aiming to win the MLS Cup, and also retain the Leagues Cup.
Additionally, Messi is also looking to win the 2024 Copa America, in what could be his last major tournament with Argentina, if he opts to retire from international football and not be amongst Le Albiceleste contingent for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by the United States Of America, Canada, and Mexico.
Lionel Messi has virtually achieved everything a player sets out to achieve in their career, with the 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph being the crowning glory.
The former Barcelona man has made 878 club career appearances, scoring 727 goals and providing 345 assists across all competitions.
Internationally, Messi has made 180 appearances for Argentina, scoring 106 goals and providing 56 assists.
