Lionel Messi’s upcoming debut in Major League Soccer (MLS) is predicted to raise the overall level of competitiveness for Inter Miami in the American league.
As a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, Messi’s presence on the team is expected to elicit a more aggressive and intense approach from opposing teams.
With heightened competition anticipated in the league, there are expectations that the Professional Referees Organization (PRO), the governing body for referees in the US, will have distinct considerations for matches involving Messi.
The presence of such a high-profile player is likely to impact the way matches are officiated and may require referees to adapt their expectations and approach accordingly.
One unnamed MLS coach told The Athletic the Argentine should get the ‘Michael Jordan’ treatment – and also feels he should ‘get every single call’. This could lead to MLS teams implementing their own version of the ‘Jordan rule’.
It may seem like an unnecessary privilege to grant to Messi, but concerns about player safety are not unfounded.
When David Beckham arrived in the league 16 years ago, he was frequently on the receiving end of cynical tackles from lesser-known players eager to get one over on the famous new arrival.
Veteran referee for Messi’s debut
Messi’s transfer was announced more than a month ago but he is yet to join up with his new teammates. An official date for his debut has not been confirmed, but he could play in the Leagues Cup game against Cruz Azul on July 21.
He will then make his MLS debut the following month, once the league resumes.
With this major moment in mind, referee, Robert Sibiga, wants to see the very best of the American league’s referees in charge of any and all games involving Messi.
“PRO will have to be very particular about who they’re going to bring,” Sibiga said, as quoted by Diario AS. “It has to be veterans. It has to be experienced referees. If we don’t, then we’re going to miss the mark and we’re going to do a disservice to the game.”
Beckham paints Messi mural
Sports Brief also reported on Inter Miami co-owner, Beckham helping with a Messi mural in the city as excitement builds over the Argentine’s debut in MLS.
The league is preparing for the arrival of its biggest-ever signing, with the veteran expected to sign up on a free transfer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.