Referee Under Fire for Booking Messi in Inter Miami vs Cincinnati

Inter Miami hosted FC Cincinnati on Wednesday, October 28 at Nu Stadium in Miami during an Eastern Conference match with significant MLS Cup Playoffs implications. The game featured Lionel Messi and Evander as key players leading their respective teams toward the Audi 2026 playoffs. During the second half of the contest, specifically around the 42nd minute, referee Armando Villarreal issued a yellow card to Lionel Messi following a collision involving defender Samuel Gidi in the penalty area. The decision generated widespread criticism from social media users and commentators on Apple TV's Spanish-language broadcast who argued that the foul did not warrant a booking for the Argentine star. Several fans expressed disbelief at the call, describing it as unbelievable and questioning why similar challenges against other players were ignored by officials.