MLS commissioner breaks silence on mysterious Lionel Messi confrontation

What happened between Lionel Messi and MLS commissioner Don Garber will remain a mystery.

By Christian Arnold · New York Post

Published: Tuesday, 13 October 2026 at 5:28 PM

Key Things to Know

Don Garber declined to reveal why Lionel Messi angrily confronted him after the Campeones Cup final.
Garber stated the confrontation remains private but praised Messi as the greatest athlete of all time.
Messi previously faced friction with MLS after receiving a one-game suspension for skipping the All-Star game.

The Story in 60 Seconds

MLS commissioner Don Garber declined to explain why Lionel Messi angrily gestured toward him after Inter Miami won the Campeones Cup in September. Speaking at the Front Office Sports "Tuned In" summit in New York, Garber stated the matter remains strictly between them, while praising Messi's intense passion and labeling him the greatest athlete of all time.

The relationship between Messi and league leadership has experienced tension previously, including a one-game suspension for missing the MLS All-Star Game. Garber is set to conclude his tenure as commissioner on January 1, when Larry Berg will take over leadership of the league.

Read the full article on New York Post

MLS commissioner breaks silence on mysterious Lionel Messi confrontation

More Mls News

Never Miss a Sports Update