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LIONEL MESSI slammed a new MLS rule that prevented him from taking a free-kick during Inter Miami's 3-2 win over Montreal.

The Argentine icon, 36, had to receive treatment during the first half when he was fouled by Samuel Piette.

Lionel Messi was annoyed by the new rule that prevented him from being allowed back on the pitch
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Lionel Messi was annoyed by the new rule that prevented him from being allowed back on the pitchCredit: X / CentreGoals
Matias Rojas ended up curling the free-kick into the top corner
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Matias Rojas ended up curling the free-kick into the top cornerCredit: X / CentreGoals
It turned out Inter Miami did not need Messi to pull themselves back into the game
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It turned out Inter Miami did not need Messi to pull themselves back into the gameCredit: X / CentreGoals

But a new MLS law introduced for the start of the 2024 season states players going off for treatment cannot come back on for two minutes.

This is an attempt to clamp down on time wasting.

Ex-England striker Gary Lineker labelled the change "ridiculous nonsense" when it was announced back in February.

And Messi was left thoroughly unimpressed as he was forced to watch the resulting free-kick from the sideline.

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The Barcelona legend was heard turning around and complaining to the officials, saying: "These kind of rules, not good."

Thankfully for Messi and Inter Miami, Matias Rojas stepped up to take the set-piece and curled it straight into the top corner with his left-foot.

It was a stunning goal reminiscent of many Messi free-kicks in the past.

Yet it was still the bizarre rule that caught the headlines.

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Lineker previously wrote on X: "More ridiculous nonsense.

"Punishing players and teams for getting hurt/injured thus rewarding those that commit fouls that cause injuries.

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"You couldn’t make it up, but they do."

Along with a two-minute wait for players that have received treatment, the MLS have also implemented a law which states substituted players must leave the pitch within 10 seconds of the board going up.

If they do not, their replacement cannot come on for 60 seconds, meaning the team has to cope for one minute with a player disadvantage.

Meanwhile, Inter Miami went on to win the match 3-2 thanks to goals from Rojas, Luis Suarez and Benjamin Cremaschi.

It leaves Inter Miami three points clear at the top of the Eastern Conference.

Messi has 12 goals and 11 assists in 12 appearances so far this season.

In total since arriving in America, he has scored 23 times and provided 16 assists in 26 matches.

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