Inter Miami, the defending MLS Cup champions, started the season with a frustrating loss in front of over 75,000 fans at the LA Memorial Coliseumin Los Angeles. LAFC took the lead on a 38th-minute goal from David Martinez and never looked back, with Denis Bouanga netting in the 73rd minute before Nathan Ordaz really put the game away with a 94th-minute exclamation point.
Chris Rivett, the director of communications for the Professional Referee Organization, has backed Messi, saying the Argentine did not enter the locker room.
"After speaking with match officials, we can confirm he did not enter the premises," Rivett told ESPN.
Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano, meanwhile, said after the match that he was unaware of the incident.
"No, no, no I didn't see anything," the coach said. "The truth is that the match finished and then I went into the locker room."
Messi and Inter Miami will be back in action on March 1 when they visit Orlando City in their second match of the MLS season.