Lionel Messi’s every move in MLS draws outsized scrutiny, and Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino has grown weary of the resulting fallout. Following the team’s dramatic 4-3 loss to Orlando City SC in the Florida derby last week, Martino found himself in an uncomfortable position, forced to explain why the Argentine superstar did not fulfill his standard media obligations. The coach has now issued a blunt plea to journalists, urging them to shield Messi from the relentless cycle of attention, criticism, and negative reactions that have become routine for the league’s biggest name.
Martino’s request is rooted in the unique pressures that accompany Messi’s presence in MLS. While the league benefits immensely from the global spotlight Messi brings, that same attention turns every defeat or missed moment into a headline. The coach argued that the constant demand for Messi’s time and the immediate backlash after a loss create an unfair burden, suggesting the media should exercise more restraint to protect the player’s focus and well-being. Martino did not claim any health issue or disciplinary breach for Messi’s absence but framed it as a necessary step to manage the overwhelming environment surrounding the team.
The incident underscores a persistent tension in MLS: how to balance the marketing windfall of a living legend with the practical realities of team management. Martino’s comments are not a complaint about Messi’s behavior but a call for the press to reconsider its role. By asking for protection rather than more access, the coach highlights that even the world’s most famous athlete needs space from the constant glare, especially after a painful defeat like the Orlando thriller. Whether the media heeds his request remains to be seen, but the message is clear.