Lionel Messi ‘breaks MLS rule for the second time’ as Inter Miami fail to score for first time since he joined

LIONEL MESSI did not speak to the media after Inter Miami’s clash with Nashville last night.

MLS rules state that players must be made available to the press after games.

Messi, 36, was also reportedly not made available after his MLS debut against New York Red Bulls last weekend.

And according to the Mail, he was once again a no-show last night.

Ahead of the match, MLS executive vice-president Dan Courtemanche had reiterated that all players, including Messi, must be made available to the press after matches.

It has not yet emerged whether Inter Miami will be sanctioned for Messi’s no-shows.

It came after a frustrating night on the pitch for Messi as the former Barcelona star showed he is human after all.

The Miami superstar has been a spectacular, runaway success since making his debut six weeks ago, leading David Beckham’s team to a first piece of silverware and firing the beautiful game into the American mainstream.

Before last night, Miami had won nine out of nine, including three penalty shoot-out wins.

It’s been a magical run, with Messi bagging 11 goals in the process.

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But against a tough, resolute Nashville last night, the Miami fans who have flocked to Fort Lauderdale, hopeful of another 90 minutes of football majesty, were brought back down to earth ever so slightly.

A gritty 0-0 draw against one of the toughest teams in MLS – who were beaten by Tata Martino’s side just 12 days ago when Miami lifted the Leagues Cup – wasn’t a complete disaster.

They probably need to win at least seven wins from the remaining 10 to help mount what would be a miraculous surge into the end of season play-offs.

Despite the cup heroics – Miami are also in the Open Cup final in a few weeks too – they resumed their league campaign rock bottom and owners of the worst record in MLS.

Messi inspired his team to an impressive win on the road at the New York Red Bulls last weekend yet on his first League start at home last night, he was off the pace.

The 36 year-old ran his socks off, desperately trying to rouse his pals in pink.

Yet, for once, it just didn’t happen.

And Messi’s side were even left riding their luck during a nervy finale, especially when Nashville looked certain to be awarded a penalty after a DeAndre Yedlin handball only for VAR to rule there was an offside in the build-up.

With just seconds left, Messi weaved into the box but just couldn’t seal the deal.

It was simply one of those nights – even for the greatest of them all.

David Beckham’s MLS side trail the Eastern Conference’s play-off positions by ten points.

Messi and Co are next set to be in action on Sunday evening, when they travel to face LAFC.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk