Messi in animated post-match exchange with MLS chief Don Garber
Lionel Messi was involved in a heated-looking on-pitch conversation with MLS commissioner Don Garber after Inter Miami beat Cruz Azul 2-0 to win the Campeones Cup on Wednesday.
Messi and Garber speak after final whistle
Footage from the post-match celebrations showed Messi speaking animatedly with Garber on the field. The Inter Miami captain pointed towards the commissioner several times during the exchange, which took place shortly after Miami’s victory over the Mexican club.
- The nature of the discussion has not been made public.
- MLS did not provide comment when asked about the incident.
- Inter Miami had not issued an immediate response.
- No explanation has emerged from either Messi or Garber.
With neither side addressing the conversation, the reason for the apparent disagreement remains unclear.
Milestone goal seals another Miami trophy
Messi had already made the night memorable before the exchange. His goal against Cruz Azul was the 100th he has scored for Inter Miami, and it completed a 2-0 result that delivered the Campeones Cup to the South Florida side.
The win added another honour to the club’s recent collection with Messi as its leading figure. Miami’s trophies during that period now include:
- Leagues Cup in 2023
- Supporters’ Shield in 2024
- MLS Cup in 2025
- Campeones Cup following the 2-0 win over Cruz Azul
Focus returns to Inter Miami’s schedule
Messi and his team-mates will now move on from the uncertainty surrounding the Garber exchange and prepare for their forthcoming fixtures. The latest cup success continues Inter Miami’s trophy-winning run three years after the Argentine joined the club.
It remains to be seen whether Messi, Garber, MLS or Inter Miami will offer further clarification, but the immediate outcome on the night was another landmark for the captain and another piece of silverware for Miami.
