Lionel Messi had a frustrating evening with Inter Miami. The Argentine drew 3-3 against the San Jose Earthquakes. After the match, he completely lost his temper because he disagreed with a decision made by the referee.
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Tensions ran high for Lionel Messi during Inter Miami's dramatic 3-3 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes, in what turned out to be a chaotic night filled with controversy, passion, and unexpected intervention.
The Argentine superstar, known for his calm demeanor in most situations, lost his composure following a refereeing decision that left him incensed and led to a post-match confrontation that could have had serious consequences.
The incident began late in the second half when Messi was brought down by a San Jose player in what appeared to be a clear foul. However, referee Joe Dickerson waved play on, choosing not to stop the game or issue any disciplinary action. Messi, visibly stunned by the decision, voiced his frustration immediately, but things escalated significantly after the final whistle.
As the players began to leave the pitch, Messi charged toward Dickerson, visibly angry and demanding an explanation. The referee, maintaining a stern stance, responded by brandishing a yellow card. But rather than de-escalating the situation, the caution seemed to further irritate the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who continued to press his case. The altercation reached a boiling point when Dickerson, clearly losing patience, snapped at Messi with the words: “Do you want me to send you off, do you want me to send you off?” a statement captured by field microphones and now widely circulating among fans and pundits.
In a moment of unexpected sportsmanship, it was San Jose Earthquakes head coach Bruce Arena who stepped in to defuse the situation. Realizing the tension could lead to Messi receiving a red card, Arena quickly intervened, physically guiding the Argentine away from the official. His actions likely saved Messi from what could have been a suspension that would have left Inter Miami without their talisman in their upcoming fixtures.
Arena addressed the incident during his post-match press conference, offering insight into why he felt compelled to act. “He was clearly not happy. And I wanted to make sure he didn’t get a red card, that’s why I tried to get him out of there,” said the veteran coach. “I’ve been around this game long enough to know when things are about to get out of hand. Messi was emotional, understandably so, but the last thing anyone wanted was to see him sent off after the match was already over.”
He went on to emphasize how damaging a red card could have been. “It would have been ridiculous if he had received a red card at the end of the match. Not just for him, but for the league and for the fans who want to see the best players on the pitch. So I just wanted to make sure we got him out of there and that he would be ready to play Miami’s next game.”
The incident has sparked debate across social media and football talk shows, with many fans applauding Arena's sportsmanship and calm intervention. Others have turned their attention to the referee’s conduct, questioning whether Dickerson could have handled the situation more professionally or whether his earlier decision not to call the foul on Messi contributed to the escalation.
For Messi, the night was a blend of brilliance and frustration. He had contributed to Inter Miami’s attacking efforts throughout the match, including a vital assist and a spectacular goal, but the failure to secure three points and the way the match ended overshadowed his individual performance. As Miami continues its campaign, all eyes will be on Messi not just for his performances, but for how he responds to this rare emotional outburst in the next fixture.
What could have been a dark chapter in Messi’s MLS journey was ultimately avoided, thanks to the timely intervention of a rival coach a moment that will be remembered as one of the most dramatic and human episodes of the season.
Updated: 12:53, 15 May 2025
