Lionel Messi cleared of breaking MLS rules at Inter Miami as statement released
Lionel Messi has been cleared of breaking MLS rules at Inter Miami
REUTERS
Lionel Messi has been cleared of breaking rules at Inter Miami after MLS released a statement.
The 36-year-old has dazzled since moving to America on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this summer, scoring 11 goals from just 19 outings.
Messi recently made his MLS debut, coming off the bench in a 2-0 victory over New York Red Bulls.
However, he was then accused of breaking rules after the showdown after not taking part in any post-match media duties.
Inter Miami and Lionel Messi drew a blank against Nashville on Thursday morning
REUTERS
MLS have now responded to those suggestions, though, and insist Messi didn't violate any regulations.
“There was a misunderstanding regarding Lionel Messi’s media access,” said their statement, via the Miami Herald.
“He has not violated any guidelines for his media availability in Major League Soccer.”
The report also said the MLS is currently reviewing its media access policy.
English isn't Messi's first language but, since moving to the US, he's starting to learn it in order to gel with his team-mates better.
Messi was, however, unable to propel Inter Miami to victory over Nashville earlier on Thursday.
The World Cup winner was deployed on the left wing of Gerardo Martino's attack alongside Josef Martinez and Robert Taylor.
But despite having more shots and more of the ball than their opponents, Inter Miami were unable to reign supreme.
Speaking after the game, Martino insisted his side would put the result behind them.
“What we have to do is move on,” said the 60-year-old.
“This can happen. It is true that we were a bit unaccustomed to this.
"The titles, the final, with a league game won the other day in New York, but we must move forward. There are still many things left to say.”
He added: “Nashville is a team that defends well, and today I think they were a little deeper than in the [Leagues Cup] final.
"[Our] team had more rhythm in the second half than in the first half; paradoxically the best situations were [Robert] Taylor's two chances in the first half.
"In the first half, the ball was moving too slowly; in the second I think we did a little better, but it was hard for us.
"These games usually happen, I understand everyone’s frustration. We too felt it was a good night to continue gaining ground.”
The result means Inter Miami are 17 points outside the MLS automatic play-off qualification spots with 10 matches remaining.
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Lionel Messi has sparkled for Inter Miami since joining on a free transfer from PSG
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They currently sit 14th out of 15 teams in the Eastern Conference, having picked up 22 points from 24 fixtures.
Messi will be hoping to start when Miami lock horns with Los Angeles FC on Monday (3am).