Inter Miami’s star player, Lionel Messi, recently expressed his frustration with the new Major League Soccer rule that forces injured players to leave the field for two minutes after a stoppage in play. This rule came into play during a match against Montréal when Messi was fouled by defender George Campbell in the 40th minute of the game. Despite the clear foul, Campbell did not receive a yellow card for the incident, leading to Messi having to temporarily exit the pitch.
During his time on the sideline, Messi was visibly annoyed, shaking his head and expressing his discontent towards the camera. This rule change had a direct impact on the game as Messi was forced to leave the field just as his team was about to take a crucial free kick. Miami’s coach, Gerardo Martino, echoed Messi’s sentiments by stating that the new rules needed to be revised, especially in cases where a clear foul was committed.
New MLS Rule Causes Confusion in Inter Miami Match
In addition to Messi’s frustration, Inter Miami also faced confusion with another new MLS rule during the same match. When Luis Suárez was substituted for Leo Campana in the 92nd minute of the game, Suárez failed to leave the field within 10 seconds as required by the rule. This delay caused Miami to be down to 10 men for a crucial period in the final moments of the match.
Martino explained the situation, highlighting the discrepancies between the team’s timing and the fourth official’s interpretation. According to MLS regulations, each player being substituted must leave the field within 10 seconds of the substitution board being raised. This incident further fueled Miami’s frustration with the new rule changes in the league.
Inter Miami Continues to Lead Eastern Conference Despite Off-Field Issues
Despite the challenges and frustrations faced by Inter Miami due to the new MLS rules, the team managed to secure a 3-2 victory over Montréal, maintaining their position at the top of the Eastern Conference table. With 27 points in 13 games and an 8-2-3 record, Inter Miami has shown resilience in the face of adversity.
While the team continues to excel on the field, the off-field issues surrounding the new MLS rules have raised concerns among players and coaching staff. The incidents involving Messi and Suárez highlight the need for further review and clarification of the rules to ensure a fair and consistent playing environment for all teams in the league. Inter Miami’s leadership in the conference standings is a testament to their talent and determination, despite the obstacles they face both on and off the field.
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