Lionel Messi has now won his 49th trophy and become the most decorated player in soccer history. But what caught the attention of most of the fans was the animated exchange between Messi and the MLS commissioner.
Franco Panizo, an independent beat reporter on Inter Miami, wrote on X , “Lionel Messi has some words for MLS commissioner Don Garber. Messi went over to Garber twice after the Campeones Cup trophy celebration and looked pretty animated while giving Garber an earful.”
The Argentine approached the MLS commissioner during the celebrations and appeared visibly frustrated. Messi returned toward Garber again, keeping the exchange going as cameras followed the moment. Garber appeared to ask Messi for something, but Messi seemed to refuse him.
The moment carried extra weight because Messi and Garber have had tension between them since 2025.
Messi missed the MLS All-Star Game for the second year running in 2025 and received a 1-match suspension from the league for an unapproved absence. Garber later admitted the situation had affected their relationship, saying, “He’s still mad at me.”
He added, “We’re communicating a little more,” showing that their relationship had improved some...