Lionel Messi was reportedly seen complaining to the referee after Inter Miami’s draw against the LA Galaxy last night.
The Herons captain rescued a late point for the Herons after some incredible play alongside Jordi Alba saw Messi find the back of the net with a well-taken shot from close-range minutes before full-time.
Yet much of the discourse surrounding the match has been focused on referee Gabriele Ciampi, with MLS currently using replacement officials amid a lockout over a new collective bargaining agreement.
Lionel Messi seen complaining to referee after Inter Miami draw vs LA Galaxy
And according to the Athletic, Inter Miami captain Messi was seen after the full-time whistle wagging his finger and Ciampi, who had a game to forget for both sides in California.
Galaxy midfielder Marky Delgado was sent off for two extremely harsh yellow cards whilst Ciampi awarded the hosts an early penalty for a more than weak tackle from Sergio Busquets.
Indeed, it was a night that truly highlighted how big the dip in quality has been when it comes to MLS officials this season, a standard that was already quite low compared to the rest of the soccer world.
And Messi’s complaints towards last night’s referee could lead to an agreement soon being reached that will allow MLS’ usual roster of officials to return to work, where the standard should increase tenfold.
MLS have to solve referee issues as soon as possible
MLS starting their biggest season ever with a severe officiating problem is about as peak MLS as it comes, with the league suffering in it’s first official weekend.
The quality of refereeing in MLS has been nothing short of poor in recent days, with Inter Miami and the Galaxy both suffering this weekend as a result.
And the league must now take it upon itself to resolve this issue as soon as possible before more issues arise, which could lead to further embarrassment.