A viral clip has emerged showing Inter Miami star Lionel Messi engaged in a heated discussion with a referee, sparking debate among fans about whether the Argentine icon was speaking in English. The incident occurred after Inter Miami's 3-3 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes on May 14, 2025, intensifying discussions about MLS officiating.
The video captures Messi confronting referee Joe Dickerson following what he perceived as a missed foul call near San Jose's goal area. Frustration was evident as Messi expressed his displeasure with the referee's decision, which he believed could have altered the game's outcome.
Reports indicate that Messi's strong words earned him a yellow card for dissent, with the referee warning him about potential expulsion if his behavior continued. San Jose Earthquakes' coach, Bruce Arena, intervened to diffuse the situation and escort Messi away, preventing further escalation. Arena later explained that his intervention was to prevent Messi from receiving a red card, which he deemed "ridiculous".
The incident has ignited discussions among fans and analysts, with many surprised to see the typically composed Messi so visibly upset. Social media platforms have been flooded with videos and commentary dissecting the confrontation, with opinions divided on whether the referee's call was justified. Some observers have suggested that Messi's frustration may stem from Inter Miami's recent struggles to secure wins, increasing the pressure on him to lead the team to victory.
While the exact words exchanged between Messi and the referee remain unclear in the circulated clip, the incident has resurfaced questions about Messi's English-speaking abilities. Despite conducting most interviews in Spanish, Messi has previously admitted to understanding English. In a past interview, he revealed that he refrains from speaking English publicly due to "embarrassment," despite understanding "everything, or almost everything".
Adding to this, Inter Miami teammate Julian Gressel shared an anecdote about Messi using English to give tactical instructions during a game. Gressel recounted Messi saying, "Now, we change. You stay and Jordi runs," and then jokingly asking, "English pretty good, no?". This suggests that Messi possesses a functional understanding of English and is willing to use it in certain contexts.
Regardless of the language used, the confrontation highlights the high stakes and intense emotions involved in professional soccer, even for a seasoned player like Lionel Messi. The incident serves as a reminder of the constant scrutiny faced by athletes and the impact of officiating decisions on game outcomes, prompting ongoing conversations about improving refereeing standards in the MLS.
