Lionel Messi Stirs Controversy as Inter Miami Celebrate Historic MLS Supporters’ Shield Win
Lionel Messi has risked angering MLS officials with a potential conflict of interest following Inter Miami’s first-ever Supporters’ Shield triumph. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner bagged a brace as Tata Martino’s side beat Columbus Crew 3-2 at Lower.com Field, securing the club’s maiden major trophy.
In a jubilant dressing room celebration, Messi posed for photos with the shield aloft, but in his hand, he also held a bottle of his sports drink, Mas+. However, this might not please MLS chiefs, as the league already has a partnership with Body Armor, who are the official drinks sponsor.
The MLS has an existing deal with Body Armor, which includes beverages stationed at benches and dressing rooms for MLS sides. Meanwhile, Inter Miami have their own drinks partner, CELSIUS, which is sold at the Chase Stadium. It’s unclear how this potential conflict of interest will be addressed, and SPORTbible has reached out to the MLS for comment.
Messi has had an incredible impact on Inter Miami, leading them to the Supporters’ Shield title and now setting his sights on the MLS Cup. "Happy that we did it," Messi told ESPN after winning the Shield. "At the beginning of the year we knew that this was a group to fight for this. We took charge from the beginning, we had the players to do this. I am happy to secure the first objective, and we’re thinking of the next."
Featured Image Credit: Getty & Inter Miami CF
Topics: Lionel Messi, MLS, Inter Miami
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