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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Herons held to a point in six-goal thriller</li><li>Argentine icon took issue with match referee</li><li>Former USMNT coach had to step in</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n" rel="sponsored"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Unlikely saviour rescues Lionel Messi from 'ridiculous' red card as Inter Miami superstar rages at match officials after MLS draw with San Jose Earthquakes

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<p>The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was in a foul mood after the final whistle blew on an entertaining contest in San Jose. Inter Miami were <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/inter-miami-player-ratings-vs-san-jose-earthquakes-lionel-messi-shows-visible-signs-of-frustration-as-the-herons-settle-for-a-3-3-draw-in-a-thriller/blt11b46097aff09426" target="_blank">held to a point after playing out a six-goal thriller</a> with the home field Earthquakes.</p><div data-name="Apple TV" class="affiliate-button-container theme-1"><div class="affiliate-button"><img height="40" width="72" src="https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt2de198b67da95a2e/65709d2436cf7d0407034ef9/Apple_TV.png" class="logo" style="width: 72px; height: 40px;"><span class="affiliate-text">Get the MLS Season Pass today!</span></div><a href="https://tv.apple.com/channel/tvs.sbd.7000?itsct=goal_mls&amp;itscg=30200&amp;at=1010l39UY" target="_blank" class="affiliate-button-link">Stream games now</a></div>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>The Herons led that contest inside the opening 60 seconds, but ended up having to battle back on a couple of occasions to claim a share of the spoils. Messi <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/san-francisco-49ers-george-kittle-san-jose-sharks-tyler-toffoli-san-jose-earthquakes-clash-against-inter-miami/bltab68ea00fa0347d4" target="_blank">did not enjoy his most productive evening in California</a>.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>The Argentine icon took issue with a tackle just outside the penalty area in stoppage-time, before <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/video-furious-messi-grabs-opposition-coach-by-the-neck-and-argues-with-referee-after-inter-miami-s-dramatic-draw-in-2025-mls-season-opener/blt1bceab90335cee19" target="_blank">continuing with his complaints as players made their way off the pitch</a>. He was shown a yellow card for remonstrating with head referee Joe Dickerson - who advised him to "walk away now".</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>It was at that point former USMNT coach Bruce Arena, who is now in charge of the Earthquakes, stepped in and kept Messi out of trouble. He told reporters afterwards: "He was obviously not happy, and I wanted to make sure he wasn't going to get a red card.</p><p>"I just tried to move him out of the way, because for him to get a red card at the end of the game would have been ridiculous. I just wanted to make sure we get him out of there and he's ready to play the next game for Miami."</p>

WHAT BRUCE ARENA SAID

<p>Inter Miami - who have <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/we-need-to-be-smarter-manager-javier-mascherano-admits-to-too-many-mistakes-as-lionel-messi-inter-miami-s-winless-streak-continues-in-3-3-draw-vs-san-jose-earthquakes/blt6aff5b75749651e0" target="_blank">won just one of their last six fixtures in all competitions, suffering four defeats</a> - will be back in action on Sunday when taking in a derby date with Florida neighbours Orlando City at Chase Stadium.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR LIONEL MESSI & INTER MIAMI?

Unlikely saviour rescues Lionel Messi from 'ridiculous' red card as Inter Miami superstar rages at match officials after MLS draw with San Jose Earthquakes | Goal.com

An unlikely saviour rescued Lionel Messi from a &quot;ridiculous&quot; red card as the Inter Miami superstar raged at match officials after a MLS draw.

Unlikely saviour rescues Lionel Messi from &apos;ridiculous&apos; red card as Inter Miami superstar rages at match officials after MLS draw with San Jose Earthquakes

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