MLS rule saves Messi from suspension ahead of Inter Miami’s New England clash

Lionel Messi will be available for Inter Miami’s MLS clash against New England Revolution on Sunday despite receiving his fifth yellow card of the season, thanks to a little-known league regulation.

The Argentine was booked during Wednesday’s encounter against FC Cincinnati, which would ordinarily have triggered an automatic one-match suspension under MLS disciplinary rules.

However, according to The Athletic⁠, Messi has benefited twice from the league’s Good Behavior Incentive, which rewards players who complete five consecutive matches without disciplinary action. The regulation states:

“A player will automatically reduce his yellow card accumulation total by one yellow card each time he appears in five consecutive matches without receiving a yellow card, red card or supplemental discipline in such matches.”

The two reductions mean Messi’s official disciplinary tally stands at three rather than five, keeping him eligible for Sunday’s fixture. The 25-goal forward is also chasing a second consecutive MLS Golden Boot and a third straight MVP award as Inter Miami prepare for the playoffs.