Lionel Messi media no-show in New York 'a misunderstanding', says MLS
Lionel Messi’s media no-show in New York ‘was a misunderstanding’, says MLS – and they are ‘working to make adjustments’ so the star speaks to journalists after games
- Lionel Messi didn’t speak to media after Inter Miami beat New York Red Bulls
- An MLS executive said before Saturday’s game that Messi would be available
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Lionel Messi broke Major League Soccer media rules due to ‘a misunderstanding’, the league has said – and they are working to make sure he can speak to reporters in the future.
Messi was not made available for media after Inter Miami defeated New York Red Bulls 2-0 on Saturday night which was a breach of league rules – MLS executive vice president Dan Courtemanche said before the game that the superstar will be available to speak post-game.
Now, the Miami Herald quotes MLS as saying that: ‘There was a misunderstanding regarding Lionel Messi’s media access’ and that ‘he has not violated any guidelines for his media availability in Major League Soccer.’
MLS rules state players must be available for post-game interviews after a 15-minute cooling off period.
The US is typically far more accommodating with media access to players and coaches compared Europe, where Messi has spent nearly all of his career with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
Lionel Messi did not speak to media after Inter Miami’s 2-0 win against New York Red Bulls
Messi has held one press conference since he joined Inter Miami at the start of July
The Herald also claims that MLS are working with teams to make sure that the increased attention on Miami and Messi can be accommodated by teams across the league.
Messi has held one press conference since joining Miami in early July and also addressed fans at his glitzy unveiling ceremony that was led by Miami co-owner David Beckham.
He did not speak to reporters after the Leagues Cup final, where he scored for Miami and also won player of the tournament.
Miami and Messi return to Major League Soccer action on Wednesday night in Nashville – their first home game since the Leagues Cup victory.
Messi and Deandre Yedlin are expected to parade the trophy to fans at the DRV PNK Stadium before kickoff.
The 36-year-old Messi has had an astonishing impact on Miami, scoring 11 goals in nine games so far and the team are unbeaten since he joined.
After Wednesday’s game against Nashville, Messi and Miami play LAFC on Sunday night.
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