Lionel Messi has not been available to reporters after any Inter Miami match despite MLS rules.
Although Lionel Messi of Inter Miami continues to violate MLS rules regarding media availability, it’s possible that he has a covert deal with the league to receive special treatment.
The Argentina legend has not complied with the customary rule that players must be accessible to reporters following every game. Before completing his move to the United States, Messi, according to The Athletic, struck a gentleman’s agreement with MLS and Inter Miami.
Messi would have the discretion to decide when he wants to speak with reporters, according to the rumored agreement. Messi would be available after Wednesday’s game against Nashville SC, according to information provided by MLS to the Associated Press earlier this week. But after the scoreless draw, he vanished.
MLS has so far downplayed the problem. In relation to Lionel Messi’s media access, there was a misunderstanding, a representative claimed at the beginning of the week. “He has not broken any Major League Soccer rules regarding his media availability.”
Although Messi continues to avoid the media, the MLS has not given a formal explanation for this. He has conducted a press conference and a few interviews that were approved by him directly.
All US sports have some kind of requirement for athletes to provide time to journalists after games, unlike in Europe, where clubs typically prevent players from being accessible to the general media outside of mixed zones. In several sports, media guidelines are expressly included in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and the Players’ Association.
According to reporters, having access to athletes allows them to develop sincere bonds with them and share fascinating tales with readers who might not otherwise hear them. Some of America’s best sportswriting has been based on pre- and post-game interviews.
Increased access, according to then-MLS Players Union attorney Jon Newman, is “a logical step forward to increase television ratings from a players union perspective.” You may watch any soccer match from any league being played live in the US. Players aim to outperform that in terms of ratings because they are our TV rivals.
Major League Soccer (MLS) incorporated a provision that now looms large: “Major League Soccer retains the exclusive right of final decision on the interpretation of this policy.”
That will help the league explain its handling of Messi, the most significant transfer addition in its history, when it comes to criticism. The Mirror has reached out to MLS for comment and will update this article if it responds.
On the field, Messi’s move to the US has been a resounding success. He guided Inter Miami to its first-ever Leagues Cup trophy and assisted them in reaching the U.S. Open Cup final. In any competition, the 36-year-old hasn’t dropped a game yet.
