Tensions boiled over between Lionel Messi and referee Joe Dickerson after Inter Miami's 3–3 draw with San Jose Earthquakes.
In desperate need of a win, Inter Miami took the trip across the country to take on Bruce Arena's San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park. The Herons found the back of the net within the first 60 seconds of the match, but they went on to concede three first-half goals that forced them to settle for just a point.
After the final whistle, Messi was irate at Dickerson over a no-call in the 93rd minute. A tackle from Daniel Munie sent the Argentine to ground just outside the box, but the referee, who had a great view of the challenge, did not award a free kick.
As Messi shook hands with his opponents, the match broadcast caught the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner shouting at the referee from a distance. Just when it looked like Messi was headed for the tunnel, he turned around to confront Dickerson face-to-face.
Dickerson urged Messi to "walk away" and booked the 37-year-old for dissent. The official even threatened to send Messi off, but Arena pulled the forward away before the moment escalated.
