Lionel Messi will feature for Inter Miami against New England Revolution despite receiving his fifth yellow card of the MLS season.
A little-known MLS disciplinary rule reduced his booking tally because of his previous clean disciplinary record.
The decision has triggered reactions among football fans, with some questioning whether Messi is receiving special treatment.
Lionel Messi escapes suspension after fifth booking
Lionel Messi escapes an MLS suspension after his fifth yellow card, thanks to a disciplinary rule that has sparked reactions among football fans.
Lionel Messi has avoided a one-match suspension and will be available for Inter Miami’s next MLS fixture against New England Revolution on Sunday night, despite picking up his fifth yellow card of the season.
The Argentine superstar, Lionel Messi, received the booking during Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw with FC Cincinnati on Wednesday. Under the usual MLS disciplinary regulations, five yellow cards would automatically result in a one-game suspension.
However, a long-standing league provision came to his rescue, allowing him to remain available as Inter Miami continue their push towards the end of the regular season.
How MLS’ Good Behavior Incentive saved Lionel Messi
The rule, known as the Good Behavior Incentive, was introduced in 2017 to reward players who maintain discipline over a sustained period.
It allows players to have a yellow card removed from their disciplinary record after completing clean stretches of five and ten games without receiving another caution.
The provision applies to players across the league and is not exclusive to Lionel Messi. Although it rarely attracts widespread attention, the situation has brought it back into the spotlight because of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s involvement.
The timing is particularly important for Inter Miami, who have already secured a playoff place and are chasing third position in the Eastern Conference.
The club have 56 points and will be keen to have their captain available as they approach the decisive stage of the campaign.
Football Fans react as Lionel Messi escapes suspension
Lionel Messi’s availability has generated discussions among football supporters on social media.
While some fans questioned the circumstances surrounding the decision and suggested the Argentine was receiving favourable treatment, others explained that the provision was an established MLS regulation available to every player.
One fan also highlighted Lionel Messi’s enormous contribution to the club, Inter Miami, pointing out how important his presence has been to the club.
Meanwhile, The 2026 Ballon d’Or ranking has placed Harry Kane ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, giving the England captain one of the biggest individual honours in football.
Kane, who plays for Bayern Munich in Germany, finished first in the men’s Ballon d’Or ranking announced on Monday, October 26, 2026. Mbappé came second, while Barcelona’s young forward, Yamal, finished third.
The ranking has attracted attention because it features some of the biggest names in world football, including Lionel Messi, Rodri, Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham.
According to the official Ballon d’Or results, Kane won the award after an outstanding 2025/26 season, during which he scored 73 goals for club and country. He also helped Bayern Munich retain their Bundesliga title.
Kane’s first-place finish puts him ahead of several players who were also strong contenders for the award.
The England striker has built a reputation as one of football’s most reliable goalscorers. His ability to find the net regularly helped him stand out among the players considered for the 2026 prize.
Mbappé finished second, showing that his performances also earned him strong recognition from the voters. The Real Madrid forward remains one of the leading attacking players in the game. Continue reading here.
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