![[Watch] Messi's Heated Argument with Ref After Inter Miami Draw](https://www.sportsbignews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Messis-Heated-Argument-with-Ref.webp)
Lionel Messi’s frustration boiled over after Inter Miami’s thrilling 3-3 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes on May 14 at PayPal Park. In the dying moments of the match, Messi appeared to be fouled just outside the box in a prime free-kick position, but the referee, Joe Dickerson, denied the call, ruling the play offside instead. This decision sparked a heated confrontation, with Messi vehemently protesting and being cautioned with a yellow card.
The Argentine superstar’s anger was so intense that several players and officials, including San Jose coach Bruce Arena, had to intervene to calm him down. At one point, the referee warned Messi about the risk of being sent off for his continued dissent.
The match itself was a rollercoaster, with Inter Miami taking an early lead through Maximiliano Falcon, only for San Jose to respond quickly. Tadeo Allende’s brace helped Miami claw back twice, but defensive lapses meant the game ended in a draw. Despite Messi not scoring, he was instrumental in setting up Miami’s goals and had multiple scoring chances, including a free kick that narrowly missed before halftime.
Fans and commentators reacted strongly to the referee’s late decision, with some accusing the officiating of bias against Messi, fueling debates on social media. The incident highlighted Inter Miami’s ongoing struggles, as the team remains winless in five of their last six matches, intensifying pressure on coach Javier Mascherano and the squad to improve quickly.
In summary, Messi’s visible frustration after being denied a late free kick underscored the tension in what was otherwise a high-scoring and dramatic MLS encounter, leaving fans eager for a turnaround in Inter Miami’s fortunes.
الاسطورة غاضب من الحكم 🤬🤬🤬 pic.twitter.com/qHCHacNar2
— Messi World (@M10GOAT) May 15, 2025
