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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Inter Miami may have won their game against CF Montreal, but the trip to Canada has proved to be an issue for the MLS. Despite making efforts to ensure fair play and avoid any misuse of time, a little drawback has been noted with the rigidity of rules. Earlier, Lionel Messi expressed anger over not being allowed on the field in time against CF Montreal due to the new law. And now, it appears like the entire club is backing the Argentine.

The run in the MLS may have been pleasing for Inter Miami, but the club is apprehensive about the rules being unclear. Inter Miami’s assistant coach has now opened up about the issue. According to senior journalist José Armando, Javier Morales said, “The rules cannot be black and white,” expressing his displeasure about the incident in the recent game.

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Meanwhile, there were two issues observed during the match against Montreal. Firstly, the Inter Miami skipper was stopped from entering the pitch after a minor injury because the rule stated the player who was taking medical help, needed to be out for two minutes. Additionally, Luis Suarez was called out for taking an additional six seconds to move out instead of the ten stated by the rule when he was substituted. These kinds of regulations are claimed to be regressive according to Messi and Co.

Earlier during the game, the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner was seen disappointed for not being able to get back. This was due to the club trailing by two goals then. Lionel Messi was seen saying, “With this kind of rule, we’re headed in the wrong direction,” which was also backed later by former USMNT star Herculez Gomez.

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Gomez stated that the purpose of the rule was to stop players from wasting time and since Messi’s team was already behind then, there was no such intent. The expert also suggested tweaking the rule to make it more clear. However, on the other side, it looks like the injury also could be concerning for the club.

Is Lionel Messi in doubt for the next game?

Coming to the game, the rule did not stop the Herons from winning thanks to Matia Rojas’ free-kick. However, the tackle against him has given a knock according to Morales. The assistant coach reportedly said, “He had a blow to his knee on Saturday. He was able to continue playing. In fact, he finished the game, he put some ice on it.”

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This may seem a bit worrying for the fans as reports suggest that the Argentine would miss the game against Orlando tonight. Meanwhile, the step is mostly precautionary as stated by Argentine journalist Gaston Edul.

With a few more important games to go before the Copa America and just three days of rest between games, it seems like the winger will not risk it. But can Inter Miami pull off a victory against #11? Let us know in the comments.