Lionel Messi has once again failed to speak with the media after Inter Miami’s 0-0 draw against Nashville SC on Wednesday, marking a second violation of league rules. According to MLS regulations, all players are required to be available for interviews and press conferences after games.
This is not the first time Messi has avoided speaking with reporters. He also did not make himself available for questioning after his MLS debut with Inter Miami at the New York Red Bulls last weekend. Despite efforts from Mail Sport to reach out to the team’s spokesperson for clarification, no response has been received.
Reports indicate that Messi did not provide any postgame quotes to the Miami Herald. It is worth noting that the Argentine superstar has only given one press conference since joining Inter Miami, and it was done through a translator.
Prior to the Red Bulls game, Dan Courtemanche, MLS’s executive vice president of communications, emphasized the league’s requirement for players to be accessible to the media. Some teams have found ways to bypass the league’s media access policy by selectively bringing out players for interviews or press conferences.
It remains unclear whether Miami or Messi will face any sanctions for their violations. It is important to mention that Messi also avoided speaking to the media after Miami’s Leagues Cup final victory over Nashville.
In terms of performance on the field, Miami’s draw against Nashville marked the first time Messi’s team failed to score since his club debut on July 21 against Cruz Azul. With several games remaining in the season, Miami faces an uphill battle to secure a spot in the MLS postseason, trailing by 10 points for the final play-in spot.
In other soccer news, Mail Sport has launched a new podcast called “It’s All Kicking Off.” The podcast offers a fresh perspective on Premier League football and can be listened to on Mail Online, Mail+, YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify.
It remains to be seen whether Messi and Inter Miami will comply with league rules in the future or face further consequences for their failure to engage with the media.
