Lionel Messi Faces Punishment for Breaking Club World Cup Protocol After Porto Win

• Argentina and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi played a key role in Inter Miami's famous win over FC Porto
• The 38-year-old netted a superb free-kick in their 2–1 win over, a performance that earned him the Man of the Match award
• That very award might now land him in trouble after he skipped the mandatory post-match press conference that comes with it

Lionel Messi made headlines during the Club World Cup, not just for his performance, but for defying a strict FIFA protocol no other player has breached so far.

The Inter Miami captain played a pivotal role in his side’s 2-1 victory over Porto on Thursday, securing a vital three points in their second group stage match.

Messi scores fantastic freekick

After conceding a first-half penalty, The Herons responded with intensity after the break, netting twice within the opening nine minutes.

Midfielder Telasco Segovia fired home Inter Miami’s equaliser before Lionel Messi sealed the comeback with a stunning free-kick, boosting their hopes of reaching the round of 16.

Messi breaks Club World Cup protocol

After the game against the Portuguese powerhouse, Messi caught attention, not just for his performance, but for breaking a tournament tradition.

The Argentine superstar was named the Superior Player of the Match after an outstanding display, an honour that typically requires the recipient to speak at a mandatory post-match press conference.

However, journalist Franco Panizo reported that Messi opted out of the formal media engagement, choosing instead to only give a brief Flash Zone interview with DAZN, bypassing the official FIFA press event.

As a result, Messi could now face a financial penalty or, in a worst-case scenario, a one-match suspension.

How Inter Miami Can Qualify for the Club World Cup Round of 16

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami are gearing up for their final group stage clash at the FIFA Club World Cup, facing Brazilian side Palmeiras at the Hard Rock Stadium in the early hours of Tuesday.

A win would guarantee progression to the round of 16, but even a defeat might not stop their journey. Thanks to FIFA’s tournament rules and Inter Miami’s earlier win over Porto, their qualification chances remain high.

That crucial victory means Inter Miami hold a superior goal difference over Porto (+1 to -1). So even if Miami loses and Porto beats Al Ahly, Messi’s team is still likely to advance based on head-to-head results and overall goal difference.

Meanwhile, African giants Al Ahly, who were defeated 2-0 by Palmeiras, would contest their final group game against FC Porto on the same day.

Messi's reaction to Inter Miami's MLS Cup loss

YEN.com.gh earlier reported on Lionel Messi's statement following Inter Miami's disappointing elimination from the MLS Cup in November 2024.

The former Barcelona star and his Inter side were the clear favourites to win the match and advance, but their opponent produced a big performance to stun them.

Source: YEN.com.gh