Due to Fear of Losing Lionel Messi for 7 Games, Inter Miami’s Tata Martino Demands Major Rule Change in MLS

The surprise draw against Orlando City saw Inter Miami’s lead at the top shrink to just 1 point. Interestingly, there has been a common theme in the games they dropped points, the absence of Lionel Messi. Inter Miami’s record without their captain reads 3 losses and 2 draws. On the other hand, they had just a solitary defeat when the captain took to the field. Considering Messi’s remarkable influence on the team, how does Tata Martino feel regarding potentially playing 7 matches without the playmaker? The Argentine manager revealed his concerns regarding the MLS fixture calendar.

Speaking to the Miami Herald, Martino opened up on his thoughts regarding the upcoming Copa America. The tournament starts on June 20 and unlike in European leagues, the MLS sides will have to continue without their South American stars. If the reigning champions Argentina go all the way, Lionel Messi will miss 7 games for the Herons! Not a positive for the club at all but Martino offered his solution for the problem. He explained, “Fundamentally, regarding the FIFA window. The competition should stop like it does in the rest of the world.”

The managed continued, “If not, what will happen is that teams will tend to sign lower-quality players – ones that won’t be taken when the international break comes around.” The Miami boss also added that he wants a rule change so that the teams can have an expanded roster.

It is clear that the coach wants the MLS to change their scheduling when it comes to International fixtures. This will undoubtedly improve the quality of matches and excitement among supporters. But, just like Martino, Lionel Messi is also not happy with the MLS rules.

 The MLS sideline rule is ‘bad’, according to Lionel Messi

Inter Miami recently made a fighting comeback victory against CF Montreal. However, that game was dominated by the news of Lionel Messi’s outburst. The soccer icon suffered a harsh tackle in the 41st minute and had to exit the field for two minutes! Notably, this is an MLS rule that aims to prevent time wasting. As per the rule, if a player is down injured for more than 15 seconds and is in need of medical treatment, he will have to leave the pitch for two minutes.

This meant that despite no wrongdoing of their own, Inter Miami was briefly reduced to 10 men. Lionel Messi was not happy and said, “These types of rules…it’s going bad.” Manager Tata Martino also agreed and added, “I think he (Lionel Messi) received a foul and the player deserved the yellow card, so he shouldn’t have been sent out for two minutes.” Adding to the pain, this foul resulted in Messi missing the next match against Orlando City.

Do you think the MLS should look at revamping some of its rules? Or do you disagree with Tata Martino? Have your say below in the comments.