Lionel Messi appears to try and confront referee as he’s held back by Luis Suarez

Lionel Messi had to be calmed down by Luis Suarez after seemingly being left furious with the officials at Inter Miami’s season opener.

The MLS side began their league campaign with an evening to forget as they fell to a 3-0 defeat away to LAFC.

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Goals from David Martinez, Denis Bouanga and Nathan Ordaz sealed a comfortable victory for the hosts.

It is the heaviest defeat Javier Mascherano’s side have suffered since losing to Charlotte FC by the same scoreline in September.

Messi appeared to be enraged following the final whistle with footage emerging from the tunnel.

The Inter Miami captain could be seen attempting to force his way into the officials’ dressing room following the match despite teammate Suarez’s attempts to hold him back.

It is unclear whether Messi confronted referee Pierre-Luc Lauziere and his assistants after doing so, though.

Messi re-emerged from the dressing room seconds later alongside Suarez before they walked to their side’s changing room.

The defeat was Inter Miami’s third from four trips to LAFC in all competitions.

However, Saturday’s match had been their first MLS meeting since September 2023.

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When does Messi play next?

Inter Miami will look to bounce back against Florida rivals Orlando City on March 1 (kick-off midnight on March 2 UK time).

Messi could open his account for the season as his side continue their run of away fixtures to begin the campaign.

They will not play on home soil until April 4, when they host Austin FC.

It comes as work continues on their new Miami Freedom Park stadium.

The venue, which has been under construction since 2023, is scheduled to open in time for the visit of Austin FC.

Once completed, it will have a capacity of 25,000 supporters.

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The new stadium is the latest boost for Inter Miami after Messi signed a new three-year deal in October.

His contract extension will keep him at the club until the end of 2028.

Since signing from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, Messi has scored 77 goals and added 44 assists in 89 appearances.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has also won the MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield and Leagues Cup with the club.