Lionel Messi has allegedly violated Major League Soccer (MLS) regulations for the second time following Inter Miami’s match against Nashville SC on Wednesday.
In a surprising move, Messi departed European football in July, leaving French giants Paris Saint-Germain to join MLS team Inter Miami.
Teaming up with former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, Messi has played a pivotal role in guiding his team to an impressive 10-match unbeaten streak.
On Wednesday night, Inter Miami played out a 0-0 draw with Nashville. After the match, it was reported by the Daily Mail that Messi broke MLS rules for the second time by not speaking to the media.
During the previous weekend, reports emerged suggesting that Lionel Messi was not available for media interaction following his MLS debut against the New York Red Bulls.
According to a Daily Mail report, the Miami Herald’s match report lacked any post-match quotes from the seven-time Ballon d’Or awardee.
If Messi was indeed required to be available for media engagement and failed to interact with the press, such an act would constitute a breach of the league’s media regulations.
Prior to the Red Bulls match, the MLS’s executive vice president of communications, Dan Courtemanche said that all players, including Messi are required to be available to speak to the media after matches.
It is currently unclear whether Inter Miami or Messi will face any sanctions from the MLS for the violation last weekend or for the violation on Wednesday night.
Since arriving at Miami, Messi has managed to score 11 goals in 10 matches, whilst also providing three assists.
Wednesday night’s match against Nashville was the first time Inter Miami has failed to score since Messi made his debut against Cruz Azul on July 22.
Inter Miami will be back in MLS action on Monday as they take on LAFC.