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Despite collecting his fifth booking of the season on Wednesday, Lionel Messi remains eligible to feature in Inter Miami's upcoming fixture against the New England Revolution, courtesy of a surprising MLS rule concerning yellow card suspensions.
Ordinarily, a player must serve a one-match suspension after accumulating five yellow cards. So when Messi, who had already collected four bookings this MLS campaign, was shown a card in the Herons' 2–2 stalemate with FC Cincinnati during the week, many expected the Argentine to miss the club's second-to-last regular season fixture on Sunday.
However, a rule exists in MLS that rewards players for "good behavior." Indeed—players can have their yellow card total reduced if they go five consecutive matches without being booked.
The rule has been in place for years, but it's only now attracting attention since Messi and Inter Miami are the ones benefiting from it.
Breaking Down MLS's Good Behavior Incentive
A rule that allows yellow cards to disappear under the "Good Behavior Incentive" may sound unlikely, but it is indeed outlined in MLS's official rules and regulations.
"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," the guidelines state.
"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.
"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 incentive can be applied a maximum of three times during the regular season, and only takes effect once the relevant match has been completed."
Messi's Good Behavior Gives Inter Miami a Boost
Thanks to the "Good Behavior Incentive," Messi officially holds just three yellow cards despite technically accumulating five throughout this MLS season.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner had his booking against Orlando City erased after going five straight games without receiving a yellow card, red card, or supplemental discipline. Messi repeated the feat following his caution against Nashville SC, staying out of trouble across his next five outings and having that card wiped from his record as well.
So when Messi was booked on Wednesday, it was only counted as his third yellow card on record. As a result, he is free to line up against the New England Revolution this weekend.
The rule hands Kily González his star player for a crucial encounter at Gillette Stadium. Inter Miami currently sit third in the Eastern Conference standings, just two points adrift of the Revolution. A victory on the road Sunday would see them claim sole second place.
The final standings carry significant MLS Cup playoff implications. The Herons will be pushing for the highest seed possible, and their best chance of defeating New England comes with Messi spearheading the attack.
The 2022 World Cup champion leads the MLS Golden Boot standings with 25 goals in 29 appearances. Messi is also chasing a record third straight MLS MVP award, along with another deep run to the MLS Cup final with Inter Miami. Returning to winning form against one of the league's toughest sides would provide the Herons with a major confidence boost heading into the postseason.