The match between Inter Miami and Orlando City in the MLS necessitated a last-minute change of the head referee due to an unusual circumstance. Initially, referee Guilherme Ceretta was assigned to officiate the match between Inter Miami and Orlando City in the MLS. However, just hours before the match commenced, the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) decided to replace the head referee. Mr. Jaime Herrera was appointed to replace Guilherme Ceretta to officiate the match.
The reason for referee Ceretta not being assigned to this match was due to a picture of him wearing an Inter Miami jersey being posted on social media. In response to media inquiries, a representative of PRO explained the sudden decision to change as follows:
“We had to make a change; Guilherme Ceretta was not assigned to officiate this match due to the potential risk of creating underlying conflicts.”
Concerns arose regarding referee Ceretta wearing an Inter Miami jersey, raising suspicions that he might be a supporter of the team. If he were to officiate the aforementioned match, it could lead to impartiality issues in various situations.
Despite the last-minute change of referee, it did not significantly affect Inter Miami. Messi and his teammates still easily defeated Orlando City with a final score of 5-0.
Messi and Suarez played crucial roles, with each scoring a brace. The three points earned helped Inter Miami rise to the top of the Eastern MLS standings with 7 points.