Lionel Messi and Inter Miami faced a disappointing start to their MLS campaign, suffering a 3-0 defeat against Los Angeles FC at the historic Memorial Coliseum, where over 75,000 fans were in attendance. The match outcome was overshadowed by post-game events, where Messi displayed an unusual side of himself by attempting to confront the referee after the game. This incident drew attention, as Messi's frustration with the officiating was apparent following the match, adding to the tension surrounding the team's inaugural game.

As Messi, already without his game jersey but still wearing the captain's armband, followed the officiating crew into the locker room, his close friend and fellow player Luis Suárez intervened to prevent Messi from escalating the situation further. The video of the incident quickly went viral on social media, capturing Messi's intense demeanor and highlighting the emotions connected to the game's outcome. This event has sparked discussions about player conduct and sportsmanship in professional sports, especially for a high-profile athlete like Messi.

The fallout from the match and Messi's reaction may have wider implications for Inter Miami's season in the MLS. As the team looks to navigate the competitive league landscape, Messi's frustration could either serve as a rallying cry for the team to improve or reflect deeper issues regarding officiating standards and player relations with referees. With Messi being such a prominent figure in soccer, his sentiments can resonate beyond the game itself, influencing fans and aspiring players alike.