Taylor Twellman ‘Not Buying’ Lionel Messi’s MLS Excuses After Inter Miami Concedes 20 Goals in Six Games

Messi’s frustration grows as Twellman questions blame on officials

In a league where expectations are sky-high and scrutiny even higher, Lionel Messi is finding Major League Soccer to be anything but forgiving. The Argentine icon, who helped deliver Inter Miami’s record-breaking 2024 campaign, is now under fire—not just from opponents, but from former U.S. Men’s National Team star and outspoken pundit Taylor Twellman.

After a dismal run of form that’s seen the Herons lose five of their last seven matches across all competitions—and concede an eyebrow-raising 20 goals in just six games—Messi has started pointing fingers. But Twellman? He’s not buying it.

What Happened? Lionel Messi vs. The Referees

Lionel Messi referee Inter Miami 2025

Messi’s irritation was most visible after a 3-0 thumping at the hands of Orlando City in the Florida Derby. Clearly upset, Lionel Messi claimed MLS referees “don’t know the rules,” citing a missed back-pass call involving Orlando’s goalkeeper.

“It’s impossible that a professional referee doesn’t know that’s a back-pass,”Lionel  Messi told reporters post-match. “The officials need to be better. We can’t compete like this.”

But Twellman, who watched the full 90 minutes, wasn’t having it.

“They did NOT lose 3-0 because of the officiating,” he wrote on social media. “Yes, improvement is needed, sure. But I watched the 90’. Not buying the refs were the issue with giving up 20 goals in six games.”

A Frustrated Lionel Messi, a Cracking Defense

Lionel Messi Inter Miami 2025

Let’s be clear: Lionel Messi isn’t wrong to demand more from match officials. MLS has long battled inconsistencies in officiating. But even the greatest of all time needs a team behind him—and lately, that team has looked shaky.

Inter Miami’s defense has been leaking goals. Fast. Since mid-April, they’ve shipped goals in bunches, struggling with shape, pressing, and individual mistakes. The absence of key players due to injury hasn’t helped, but Twellman’s point rings true—officiating might be questionable, but it’s not the main culprit.

From Unbeaten to Unraveled: What Changed?

This is the same Inter Miami that opened 2025 with an unbeaten run and hopes of dominating both MLS and the CONCACAF Champions Cup. But a semi-final exit to Monterrey, followed by a run of disappointing MLS results, has cooled the hype.

And Lionel Messi, once calm and collected, is now more vocal and visibly agitated after games. Confrontations with referees and coaches have become more common, and the calm dominance we saw last season is giving way to visible tension.

Twellman’s Take: Look in the Mirror

Twellman has never been shy in calling things how he sees them, and when it comes to Inter Miami, he believes the problems start from within.

“You can’t concede three goals per game and point to the ref every time,” he said in a follow-up segment on Apple TV’s MLS 360. “Messi’s frustrated—sure, that’s normal. He’s a competitor. But this is on the squad, the coaching, the defending.”

He added: “The officiating didn’t give up 20 goals. The players did.”

What’s Next for Lionel Messi & Inter Miami?

Despite the struggles, hope isn’t lost. Inter Miami is still firmly in the playoff hunt, sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference. But the margin for error is narrowing, and the fanbase, spoiled by last season’s success, is restless.

The Herons face three more MLS fixtures before heading to the FIFA Club World Cup, hosted in the U.S. this year. It’s a huge stage—and a potential turning point. If Lionel Messi and Co. can regroup, patch their defensive holes, and rediscover their early-season spark, this recent slump could quickly be forgotten.

But if the finger-pointing continues and results don’t improve, scrutiny will only intensify—not just on the officials, but on the locker room and leadership as well.

Did You Know?

• Inter Miami conceded just 29 goals in all of 2024 MLS regular season. In 2025, they’ve already allowed 20 in six games.

• Messi has been involved in 13 of Miami’s goals this season (7 goals, 6 assists).

• The last time Lionel Messi went five games without a win at club level was during his final season at PSG.

Final Whistle

There’s no doubt Lionel Messi raises the bar wherever he goes. But that also means the spotlight shines brighter—especially when things go wrong.

Twellman’s criticism isn’t meant to diminish Lionel Messi’s greatness. It’s a reality check: Even for the GOAT, greatness doesn’t excuse accountability. And as Inter Miami looks to salvage their season, it’s time for less complaining, more correcting.

The question now is: Can Lionel Messi channel his frustration into fuel? Or will this slide define Miami’s 2025 campaign?

Only time—and perhaps better defending—will tell.