Lionel Messi Avoids Suspension Before Inter Miami’s New England Trip

Lionel Messi remains eligible for Inter Miami’s visit to the New England Revolution on Sunday, November 1, despite receiving his fifth yellow card of the MLS regular season against FC Cincinnati. The match begins at 7 p.m. EST at Gillette Stadium.

MLS’s published disciplinary summary, updated October 30, does not list Messi among the suspended players. The league’s good-behavior incentive reduces a player’s disciplinary total after five consecutive appearances without a yellow card, red card or additional sanction.

The reduction applies automatically after the qualifying match is completed, with a maximum of three reductions during the regular season. A player’s total cannot fall below zero. Five accumulated cautions ordinarily trigger a one-match suspension and a $250 fine, but the disciplinary balance can differ from the number of bookings shown across the season.

Heavy reported that Messi has earned two such reductions, leaving three cautions on his disciplinary account after Wednesday’s booking. That explains his eligibility; it does not guarantee a place in Miami’s starting lineup. The club’s announced team will settle that question before kickoff.

Miami enters with 56 points from 32 matches, two behind New England. The Revolution’s own latest match report places them second in the Eastern Conference and Miami third, making Sunday a direct meeting between clubs pursuing advantageous postseason positions.

Messi leads MLS with 25 goals, according to Miami’s match information. The club has scored 75 league goals, while Rodrigo De Paul has supplied a team-leading 16 assists. Miami’s most recent match ended 2–2 against Cincinnati, with Luis Suárez and Riquelme Fillipi scoring.

New England has already secured home-field advantage for the opening playoff round. Miami finishes the regular season at home against Charlotte on November 7, the league’s Decision Day for 30 clubs. Sunday’s availability decision concerns regular-season discipline, with the postseason still ahead.