LAFC defeated Inter Miami 3-0 in the MLS season opener at the LA Memorial Coliseum on February 21. Lionel Messi and co could not get past the home side’s defence, but footage has now emerged of the Argentine storming into the referee’s room.
Lionel Messi Chases Referees After LAFC Loss
Denis Bouanga was the star of the match as he played a key role in the win for LAFC. He scored the second goal of the game before drifting into the box deep into stoppage time to assist the third goal of the match.
Messi was the lone bright spark for Inter Miami in the second half, but the club captain was unhappy with a few officials’ decisions. He was spotted in constant chat with the on-field referee, but now footage has emerged of him chasing the officials after the match.
In a short clip that has gone viral on social media, referees were seen entering a room after the game at the LA Memorial Coliseum. The officials made their way to the field just as the Inter Miami players were crossing the entrance and heading towards their dressing room.
🚨🚨| BREAKING: Footage shows Lionel Messi trying to CONFRONT the referee after full-time, with Luis Suárez pulling him back to stop him entering the officials’ dressing room. 😳🇦🇷
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) February 22, 2026
Messi swiftly stopped and headed into the referee’s room despite the best efforts of Luis Suarez. The Inter Miami striker tried to stop the Argentine from going in, but the club captain insisted on having a word, and was followed by a club staff member.
The Barcelona legend emerged seconds later, but some Inter Miami players were left confused after hearing noise and looking into the room. No official word or report has emerged on what happened inside the room, and we have to wait for the referee’s report.
READ MORE: LAFC vs. Inter Miami: Five Key Moments From MLS Season Opener As Lionel Messi’s Team Slips To Defeat
It is not the first time Messi has complained about the officials in the MLS. Last season, he claimed that the official did not know the backpass rule and said:
“We had a great first half; we were attacking, creating scoring chances. 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.
“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.”
Inter Miami and LAFC created history on Saturday, drawing in 75,673 fans – the biggest crowd for an MLS season opener.
