Lionel Messi remains available for Inter Miami's MLS match against the New England Revolution on Sunday despite receiving what was described as his fifth caution of the season on Wednesday. The game is Inter Miami's penultimate regular season match, and SI reported that an away win would move the team into sole possession of second place in the Eastern Conference.
Booked on Wednesday but still eligible
Messi was booked in Inter Miami's 2-2 draw on Wednesday, but he is still available for Sunday's next match. MLS rules and regulations say his effective or current total leaves him on three yellow cards rather than at a suspension threshold.
What the MLS rule says
MLS guidelines say: "A player will automatically reduce his yellow card accumulation total by one yellow card each time he appears in five consecutive matches without receiving a yellow card, red card or supplemental discipline in such matches."
MLS guidelines also say: "For clarity, a player cannot have a negative yellow card accumulation total; the Good Behavior Incentive can only reset to a zero-card total. This incentive will be automatically applied a maximum of three times throughout the course of the MLS Regular Season."
Another example in the guidelines says: "For example, if a player on his third caution of the season completes five consecutive matches without receiving a card or supplemental discipline, that player will have one yellow card caution removed from his cumulative total, leaving the player with a total of two yellow cards."
The guidelines add: "The incentive can be applied a maximum of three times during the regular season, and only takes effect once the relevant match has been completed."
How Messi's total was reduced
SI reported that Messi's yellow card against Orlando City was wiped away after he went the next five games without receiving a yellow card, red card or supplemental discipline. SI reported that his yellow card against Nashville SC was also removed after he avoided punishment in his next five appearances.
SI reported that when Messi was booked on Wednesday, it counted as only the third yellow card on his record because of the "Good Behavior Incentive." GOAL, attributing the claim to British newspaper "The Sun", reported that two cards dropped from Messi's effective tally. GOAL said all five cards still sit on Messi's disciplinary record, but not all count towards the total that brings a suspension.
Standing before Sunday's match
SI reported that Inter Miami sit third in the Eastern Conference standings, two points behind the Revolution. SI reported that Inter Miami can take sole possession of second place with a win away from home on Sunday.
