- Inter Miami came back from a 2-0 deficit to beat Montreal 2-3
- The Herons remain atop the Eastern Conference with an 8-2-3 (WLD) record
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Lionel Messi expressed his dismay at Major League Soccer’s bizarre new rule by speaking directly into the camera as he stood on the sidelines against Montreal on Saturday.
The new rule requires players to stay off the field for two minutes if the medical team intervenes to help them.
The Inter Miami star was on the receiving end of the scheme on Saturday as the Herons fell behind 2-0 against their Canadian counterpart. While he was in front of the camera, the broadcast picked up Messi’s complaint.
“With these kinds of rules we are going in the wrong direction,” the former Barcelona star complained in the 43rd minute of the match.
The rule prevents players from wasting time by faking injuries on the field. However, it can also be used to strategically keep the other team’s best players off the field. Messi is a good example of this.
Lionel Messi was furious about Major League Soccer’s bizarre new rule on live TV against Montreal
The rule requires players to remain off the field for two minutes if assisted by media personnel
Nevertheless, with Messi off the field, Inter Miami got on the scoreboard when Matias Rojas scored a free kick from about 50 yards out. With a set piece that would normally fall at Messi’s feet, Rojas was able to spark a comeback for the Herons.
Luis Suarez tied the game in the third minute of stoppage time before half-time.
After the break, Benjamin Cremaschi put Miami ahead with a goal in the 59th minute. The score would remain until the final whistle.
Montreal saw its lead disappear despite goals from Bryce Duke in the 22nd and Jules-Anthony Vilsaint ten minutes later.
Inter Miami came back from 2-0 down to win 2-3, extending their winning streak to six
Messi and the Herons remain at the top of the Eastern Conference with 27 points and an 8-2-3 record
The hosts also defeated their guests 15-7 (6-4 on goal). Additionally, Montreal controlled 54 percent of the ball in their losing effort.
Inter Miami remains atop the Eastern Conference with 27 points and an 8-2-3 (WLD) record. The Herons will continue to travel to Orlando City on May 15 as they look to extend their win streak to six games.
On the other hand, Montreal fell to the 12th seed with 12 points and a 3-5-3 record. Their next match will remain on Canadian soil as they host the defending champions Columbus Crew on the 15th.