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Lionel Messi’s Behavior Toward Referee After Inter Miami Game Draws Strong Reaction

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated May 15, 2025 8:19 AM ET

Inter Miami CF captain Lionel Messi was not happy after the Herons dropped more points in MLS play with a 3-3 draw against San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday night.

Heading into an MLS Rivalry Week showdown with Florida rival Orlando City SC, Inter Miami has only won one of its last six matches in all competitions. During the poor run of form, Messi's team has conceded at least three goals on four separate occasions.

After the dramatic match in California, the 2024 MLS MVP took his frustration out on referee Joe Dickerson. Messi was furious that a free kick was not awarded to him in the final minutes from just outside the San Jose penalty area.

Messi, 37, circled back to the referee multiple times after the full time whistle, earning a yellow card for his protests. Dickerson threatened him with a red card and could be heard on the Apple TV broadcast demanding the Argentinian to "walk away now."

Dickerson was not the only person who reacted strongly to Messi's petulant behavior. Current San Jose and former United States Men's National Team coach Bruce Arena had to intervene in order to save the Inter Miami star from himself.

“Walk away now!”

Head ref Joe Dickerson — reaching for his back pocket — threatened Leo Messi with a red card if Inter Miami’s captain did not stop jawing at him.

Messi earned a yellow earlier in the tense post-game exchange.#InterMiamiCF #Messi pic.twitter.com/54QOrKCfku
— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) May 15, 2025

"That's universal language when you're talking about referees," Arena said with a grin after the game.

"He was obviously not happy and I wanted to make sure, really, that he was not going to get a red card," the Earthquakes coach explained. "I just tried to move him out of the way, because for him to get a red card at the end of the game would've been ridiculous."

#Quakes74 Bruce Arena on mediating the chat between Lionel Messi and the refs postgame,

"He was obviously not happy and I wanted to make sure, really, that he did not get red carded...for him to get a red card at the end of the game would've been ridiculous." pic.twitter.com/PThYgJqh1W
— Justin Ruderman (@JustinRuderman_) May 15, 2025

While Messi did not get any special treatment from the referee, Arena's protective reaction illustrated the desire of those around MLS to keep the face of the league on the pitch, especially during Rivalry Week.

"I wanted to make sure we got him out of there and he's ready to play the next game for Miami," Arena admitted.

The next match against Orlando will take place on Sunday as MLS' pick for "Sunday Night Soccer" on Rivalry Week. The Florida Derby is as even as it gets, with the two teams sharing a record of 5-5-5 in 15 matches all time.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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