Messi and Commissioner Garber Exchanged Words
Lionel Messi and MLS Commissioner Don Garber had an intense on-field discussion following the Campeones Cup trophy presentation.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Soccer
Live Poll
Should professional sports leagues enforce uniform conduct policies for all players regardless of their star status?
MLS Commissioner Don Garber declined to comment on a heated interaction with Lionel Messi that occurred after the Campeones Cup. During the trophy ceremony, Messi gestured and spoke animatedly toward the commissioner.
Why it matters
The interaction draws attention as Garber prepares to step down from his role, marking the end of a long tenure that began in 1999. It highlights the high-profile relationship between the league's most famous player and its outgoing top official.
Since signing with Inter Miami in 2023, Lionel Messi has recorded 104 goals in all competitions. The team captured the MLS Cup title in 2025 and secured a 2-0 victory in the Campeones Cup match.
The players
Lionel Messi
He is an internationally acclaimed soccer star who joined Inter Miami in 2023 and has since scored 104 goals.
Don Garber
He has served as the commissioner of Major League Soccer since 1999 and is scheduled to vacate the role at the end of 2026.
Larry Berg
He has been named as the successor who will replace Don Garber as the next MLS commissioner.
The details
Lionel Messi appeared to point his finger toward Don Garber during their on-field conversation at the trophy presentation. The league had previously granted Messi an exemption from the 2026 All-Star Game due to his participation in the World Cup final, unlike a previous incident where he received a one-game suspension for missing the event.
Timeline
Don Garber began his tenure as MLS commissioner in 1999.
Lionel Messi signed with Inter Miami in 2023.
Inter Miami won the MLS Cup title in 2025.
Messi and Garber had a heated exchange at the Campeones Cup in September 2026.
Don Garber is set to depart as commissioner at the end of 2026.
Season Trajectory
The league is currently navigating a significant leadership transition as Don Garber prepares to conclude his 27-year tenure. This period marks a pivotal shift for MLS as it balances the star power of players like Lionel Messi with the upcoming appointment of Larry Berg.
The league's ability to navigate high-profile player relationships will be a focal point during the upcoming leadership transition. Fans should monitor how the commissioner's office handles player participation mandates versus star-player exemptions under the new administration.
The takeaway
Maintaining professional decorum remains a central expectation for the league's most visible stars and officials. Clarity regarding future league policies often depends on the consistent application of rules across the entire roster.
What happens next
Don Garber is scheduled to vacate his role as MLS commissioner at the end of 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the league, visit our Soccer section.
Live Poll
Should professional sports leagues enforce uniform conduct policies for all players regardless of their star status?
