Messi restrained by Luis Suarez after Inter Miami's 3-0 loss to LAFC

Lionel Messi was seen being restrained by team-mate Luis Suarez after Inter Miami's 3-0 defeat to LAFC in their MLS season opener. Goals from David Martinez, Denis Bouanga and Nathan Ordaz secured an emphatic win and made it a miserable start to the season for the Herons.

Messi was back from injury for the game but was unable to make an impact. He appeared furious after the final whistle and Suarez was seen seemingly attempting to calm him down as they both made their way down the tunnel. MLS was originally made aware of the incident as it was suggested that Messi had appeared to enter the referees' premises, but the Argentine forward actually did not walk through a restricted area.

"After speaking with match officials, we can confirm he did not enter the premises," said Chris Rivett. Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano said: "No, no, no I didn't see anything. The truth is that the match finished and then I went into the locker room." He added: "They beat us fair and square, that's the reality.

messi, luis suarez, inter miami, lafc, mls, david martinez, denis bouanga, nathan ordaz, javier mascherano, herons