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• Lionel Messi cleared by MLS review after appearing to confront Referees

  MLS has cleared Lionel Messi of any wrongdoing following a post-match incident in Los Angeles, leaving him available for Inter Miami’s upcoming derby against Orlando City on March 1. Major League Soccer has officially cleared Lionel Messi of any misconduct following an investigation into a video showing him approaching a restricted area after Inter Miami’s 3-0 loss to LAFC. Despite footage appearing to show Luis Suárez restraining the captain near the referees’ quarters at the LA Memorial Coliseum, the league determined the door did not lead to the officials’ locker room. An MLS spokesperson confirmed that Messi did not enter a prohibited zone or violate league policy during the Saturday night incident. The ruling effectively closes the case, ensuring the Argentine remains eligible for selection. The league noted that while Messi frequently interacts with officiating crews in his role as captain, his actions on this occasion did not warrant any disciplinary fines or a suspension. The “Herons” will now turn their attention toward a massive intrastate clash against Orlando City on March 1. After being stifled by Son Heung-min’s LAFC in their season opener, the defending MLS Cup champions are eager to reclaim their form. Messi, who netted 29 goals last season, remains the focal point as Javier Mascherano’s side looks to avoid an early-season slump in the “Sunshine Clasico.”

• Lionel Messi, Inter Miami suffer 3-0 loss to LAFC in 2026 MLS opener

  LAFC delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over defending champions Inter Miami in the 2026 MLS opener, as Lionel Messi’s side struggled to break down a disciplined Los Angeles defense.

  ​LAFC secured a convincing 3-0 win against Inter Miami to kick off the 2026 MLS season.

  David Martinez opened the scoring after a midfield error by Rodrigo De Paul, followed by a composed solo effort and chip from Denis Bouanga.

  Despite Lionel Messi’s creative efforts alongside Germán Berterame, Miami failed to capitalize on their chances, eventually conceding a late third goal to Nathan Ordaz.

  ​Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano had confirmed Messi’s fitness pre-match, stating, “Messi is fine; he’s been training at the same level as the rest of the team all week.”

  However, the visitors were outmatched by LAFC’s clinical counterattacks and the partnership of Bouanga and Heung-Min Son.

  The result leaves the defending MLS Cup holders searching for offensive solutions early in the new campaign.

• Wayne Rooney speaks out on returning to management as he lays out key conditions

  Wayne Rooney has revealed he is open to returning to the dugout provided the role does not require living away from his family, while simultaneously refusing to rule out a potential future move into professional boxing.

  Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has outlined the specific criteria required for his return to football management.

  Following his dismissal from Plymouth Argyle on New Year’s Eve 2024, the 40-year-old has pivoted to media work but remains open to coaching.

  However, Rooney emphasized that any future role must prioritize his family life, stating: “I wouldn’t put myself in situations like [when I lived] in DC, lived in Plymouth… lived away and missed a lot of my kids’ football.”

  Since leaving his most recent post, the former England captain has focused on his broadcasting career, including the launch of The Wayne Rooney Show on YouTube and regular appearances on Match of the Day.

  While he admits that finding a “realistic” job that aligns with his geographical requirements may be difficult, he is currently satisfied with his punditry roles.

  Rooney noted that media scrutiny and budget constraints often complicated his previous tenures at Birmingham City and Derby County.

  Beyond football, Rooney briefly addressed the possibility of entering the boxing ring, a sport he has followed since childhood.

  While he previously faced viral scrutiny for a 2015 sparring session with Phil Bardsley, he refused to rule out a professional bout if the financial incentive was high enough.

  Regarding a potential crossover move, Rooney remarked: “I’d never say never with it. It depends what offer’s on the table,” though he remains committed to his current media ventures for the time being.

• David Beckham praises Messi’s unprecedented feat with Inter Miami

  David Beckham became the first person to win the MLS Cup as both a player and an owner after co-owned Inter Miami defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final, fueled by two assists from MLS Cup MVP Lionel Messi.

  Inter Miami CF clinched their first MLS Cup on Saturday, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final.

  The victory solidified an unprecedented feat for co-owner David Beckham, who became the first person to win the league trophy as both a player and an owner. Lionel Messi, named the MLS Cup MVP, orchestrated the triumph with two decisive assists.

  Celebrating the historic achievement, Beckham reflected on the realization of his long-term ambition for the club.

  He noted, “[The MLS Cup win] has been pretty surreal and it’s a moment that I’ll cherish forever, being a player that has won it and now being an owner that has won it with this team, and these fans.”

• Messi shines as Inter Miami wins MLS Cup

  Lionel Messi’s two assists were instrumental in Inter Miami securing their first MLS Cup, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1. The win provided a memorable farewell to Chase Stadium and marked the final appearances for Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

  Messi’s impactful play, including setting up goals for Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende, secured the victory. This triumph adds another trophy to Messi’s illustrious career, concluding a successful season for Inter Miami.

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