Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has avoided a one-game suspension despite accumulating five yellow cards in the MLS season. This is due to the league's unique "Good Behaviour Incentive" rule. This provision allows a player to reduce their yellow card count by one for every five consecutive matches played without receiving a booking or supplemental discipline.

Messi has successfully applied this incentive twice already this season. Consequently, two yellow cards were removed from his official tally. Although his recent booking against FC Cincinnati was his fifth on the pitch, only three officially count towards the suspension threshold. This crucial ruling ensures Messi remains available for Inter Miami's upcoming match against New England Revolution. Inter Miami, currently on a two-game winless streak, desperately needs their star player for this vital fixture.