Lionel Messi breaks MLS media rules by not speaking to reporters after making league debut in Inter Miami’s 2-0 win over New York Red Bulls
- Lionel Messi made his MLS debut in Inter Miami’s 2-0 win on Saturday night
- Miami said after the match that Messi was not made available to reporters
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Lionel Messi did not speak to reporters after his Major League Soccer debut, a violation of the league’s media rules.
Messi scored on Saturday evening in the 89th minute of Inter Miami’s 2-0 win over the New York Red Bulls.
Miami spokeswoman Molly Dreska said after the game that Messi was not made available to reporters.
MLS executive vice president of communications Dan Courtemanche said before the game that Messi, like all players, should be available to the media after the game.
It is unclear whether Miami or Messi will face penalties for the offence. DailyMail.com has reached out to MLS, but has not yet received a response.
Lionel Messi violated MLS media policy by not speaking to reporters after Saturday’s game
The World Cup winner scored on his MLS debut and helped Inter Miami beat the New York Red Bulls
The Argentine has given just one press conference since joining David Beckham’s side
Some teams find ways to get around the league’s media access policies, especially access to open locker rooms, by bringing selected players outside for interviews or press conferences.
Messi also did not speak to the media following the Miami Leagues Cup final victory over Nashville and has given only one press conference so far through a translator.
The Herons’ victory marked Messi’s highly anticipated MLS debut in front of a record crowd, with some tickets selling for as much as $20,000 for the occasion.
But they had to wait for Tata Martino’s Messi magic as Miami’s head coach opted to bench the World Cup winner after his frenetic start in the United States.
The 36-year-old has been making minutes since moving to Miami, leading the team’s fairytale run through the Leagues Cup, eventually lifting the first trophy and taking the team to the final of the US Open Cup on 27 September led.
Before Saturday’s game, Messi had played eight games in a span of 36 days, totaling more than 700 minutes.
But the fans at the Red Bull Arena were finally rewarded for their patience when the Argentinian was substituted in the 60th minute alongside former Barcelona team-mate Sergio Busquets.
And Messi delivered again when he scored from 18-year-old Benjamin Cremaschi’s cross in the 89th minute. His tap-in marked his eleventh goal for Inter Miami.