Lionel Messi, the superstar forward for Inter Miami, found himself embroiled in controversy during a recent Major League Soccer (MLS) match against Montreal.

A new MLS rule aimed at player safety forced Messi to leave the pitch for two minutes following an injury check, much to his frustration and the team's dismay.

During the match, Messi suffered a tackle from Montreal defender George Campbell, prompting concerns about a potential injury, CNN reports.

As per the new MLS rule, if a player stays on the field for more than 15 seconds due to a suspected injury, they must exit the field for a minimum of two minutes for further assessment and treatment.

This rule aims to prioritize player welfare by allowing medical staff adequate time for evaluation.

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Controversial Off-Field Treatment Rule

The implementation of the "Off-Field Treatment Rule" saw Lionel Messi sidelined just as his team needed him most, following the awarded free-kick resulting from the foul.

His frustration was palpable as he gestured towards a television camera on the sidelines, expressing his discontent in Spanish.

Despite his absence during the free kick, Inter Miami managed to capitalize on the opportunity, with Matias Rojas scoring to narrow the deficit, according to ESPN.

Inter Miami's coach, Gerardo Martino, echoed Messi's frustration, emphasizing the need for a review of the rule.

Martino argued that the failure to penalize Campbell with a yellow card for the foul impacted Messi's ability to remain on the field.

According to Martino, such situations underscore the necessity of revisiting the rulebook to ensure fairness and effectiveness in its application.

Rulebook Clarifications and Challenges

While the MLS rulebook offers clarity on the protocol for injury checks and player substitutions, controversies persist regarding its interpretation and implementation.

The recent incident involving Messi sheds light on the challenges posed by the rule, particularly in situations where the foul does not result in disciplinary action against the offending player.

Despite the contentious ruling and Messi's temporary absence, Inter Miami emerged victorious with a 3-2 win over Montreal.

The triumph underscores the team's resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity, Bleacher Report noted.

While Messi did not find the net during the match, his contributions throughout the season have been instrumental in Inter Miami's success, solidifying his status as a pivotal figure in the MLS.

The incident involving Lionel Messi and the MLS's "Off-Field Treatment Rule" highlights the complexities inherent in balancing player safety with the smooth flow of gameplay.

As debates surrounding the rule persist, stakeholders must collaborate to refine and clarify its application, ensuring it fulfills its intended purpose without overly disrupting matches or unfairly disadvantaging teams.

Lionel Messi's frustration underscores the importance of transparent and equitable regulations in fostering a fair and enjoyable sporting environment for all involved.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: No Messi, No Problem. Matias Rojas With A Stunning Free Kick Goal for Inter Miami! - From Major League Soccer