The confrontation between Montreal and Inter Miami on the morning of May 12 (Vietnam time) is a classic comeback match. Inter Miami trailed by 2 goals after only 32 minutes, but they played excellently to bring home a close 3-2 victory.
However, there was a problem that arose during the match, involving Lionel Messi having to leave the field to seek medical attention and not being able to return within 2 minutes. This is a fairly new rule and only appears in MLS.
What is MLS’s “2 minute” rule?
This is a regulation of the MLS. This rule clearly states: “If the referee stops the match because an injured player lies on the field for more than 15 seconds and medical staff must come in to take care of him, that player must leave the field within 2 minutes.” even if it is possible to be ready again sooner”. According to many people’s explanations, this rule was introduced to avoid situations where medical care interrupts the match for too long.
This rare ball took place in the 41st minute in the match between Montreal vs Inter Miami. When Lionel Messi was fouled by Montreal players in front of the goal. The free kick distance is only 25m, ideal for Lionel Messi to hit a direct shot to narrow the score to 1-2 for Inter Miami.
However, the Argentine star lay on the field and had to seek help from the medical team. Not long after, Messi said he was fine but the referee did not allow him to enter the field due to the “2 minutes” rule. This makes Lionel Messi unable to take a free kick even though he is eligible to enter the field when the ball is dead like most other tournaments in the world.
Matias Rojas replaced Messi to take the free kick and with a perfect left tackle, this player shortened the score for Inter Miami, opening the way for the Florida team’s comeback.
What did Lionel Messi say after that situation?
Immediately after receiving an explanation for why he could not return to the field immediately, Lionel Messi complained: “Such rules only make us worse”. This statement was recorded by a camera right on the field.
After the match, coach Geraldo Martino also mentioned the disadvantages of this rule to reporters. “Leo was fouled and Campbell should have received a yellow card. To me, it was unfair. The fouled opponent had to receive a card, but we lost Leo for 2 minutes,” said Martino. .
Currently, MLS’s “2 minutes” rule is causing debates to erupt on social networking forums.