Inter Miami suffered a 0-3 defeat to Orlando City in a regular MLS-Regular season match. In the 43rd minute of the first half, a defender of Orlando kicked the ball to his own six-year box. Goalkeeper Gallese checked the ball and then picked it up with his hands. Messi protested against the referee and claimed that Gallese had handled a back pass illegally, but the referee ignored it. Gallese then launched a long ball that led to a goal for Orlando City.
After the game, Messi said in an interview:
“I think we played a great first half. We attacked and created opportunities – they couldn't stop us.
Messi Added:
“Sometimes there are critical mistakes, as in the last match. These are not apologies, but the referee is always problematic. I think Major League Soccer should look at the officer closer.”
Despite the setback, Messi remained optimistic:
“Losing another match is painful. We have just undergone a series of bad results, but we have to continue to push and concentrate on what awaits us. We still have three or four games that are over this month – we have to end strong to be in the best form for the World Cup of the club. Team, and now we have to prepare our potential, and now we have to prepare ourselves.”