Messi attacks the referee and is punished after a dramatic draw!

Argentine star Lionel Messi paid the price for his clear criticism of the referee of his team Inter Miami's match against New York City, which ended in a 2-2 draw, in the opening of the 2025 Major League Soccer season. Despite Messi's outstanding performance, creating two goals, the match witnessed moments of tension between him and American referee Rosendo Mendoza. The dispute escalated in the final minutes when Messi strongly objected to the referee's decisions, which prompted the latter to punish him with a yellow card, which angered the Argentine star. Messi was punished after his statements in which he criticized the referee's performance, indicating that it was not up to the required level. The American League has not yet revealed the details of the punishment, but it is expected to range from a fine to a possible suspension. It is noteworthy that Messi led his team to a dramatic draw despite the numerical shortage, after he created the equalizer in the 90+9 minute, so that Inter Miami gained a valuable point at the start of its journey in the new season.