On Wednesday night at PayPal Park, San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami delivered one of the most thrilling matches of the week in Major League Soccer. They finished tied 3-3 in a game filled with drama until the very last minute—and even beyond, as Lionel Messi was involved in a curious moment following the final whistle.
The Argentine forward, unlike in previous matches, wasn’t able to make the difference and didn’t score any of the goals for the Herons. Maximiliano Falcon opened the scoring in the first minute, and Tadeo Allende netted the other two for Javier Mascherano’s side. Cristian Arango, Beau Leroux, and Ian Harkes were on target for the hosts.
However, Messi grabbed all the headlines in the closing moments of the match. With the score tied at 3-3 and the clock running down in stoppage time, he picked up the ball in the opposing half, dribbled past a defender, and just as he prepared to shoot from outside the box, he went down claiming a foul.
Referee Joe Dickerson ruled that there had been no infraction by the San Jose Earthquakes defender and waved play on, ignoring Leo’s protests. Just seconds later, he blew the final whistle.
Referee Joe Dickerson shows a yellow card during a 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup match.
That decision sparked Messi’s fury. TV cameras caught him approaching Dickerson visibly frustrated, gesturing angrily, and pointing at the referee. In response, the official showed him a yellow card—an action that did little to calm the Inter Miami superstar.
see also
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni picks between Messi and Maradona, names the world’s 3 best players without including Leo
Upon seeing the yellow, Messi sarcastically gave a thumbs-up with his left hand. He appeared to walk toward the locker room to cool off, but midway there, he turned around to continue speaking with the referee. Dickerson then warned him to leave the field if he didn’t want to face more severe consequences. Ultimately, with some calming words from opposing coach Bruce Arena, Lionel walked away in resignation.
SurveyShould Messi have been sent off?
Should Messi have been sent off?
already voted 0 people
