The start of the 2024/25 MLS season and Lionel Messi's debut could be severely affected due to a potential referee strike resulting from a lack of agreement between the Professional Referees Organization (PRO) and the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA), as reported by The Telegraph.

According to information provided by journalist Tom Bogert, the strike could occur if an agreement with PRO is not reached before January 31, 2024. The challenging situation for MLS arises from the minimal increase in monetary compensation proposed by PRO.

Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez Still Scoreless as Inter Miami Suffer First Defeat Against FC Dallas

"The union representing MLS referees unanimously voted in favor of a strike if there is no new labor agreement with PRO before January 31, sources told Pablo Iglesias and me. A work stoppage seems almost certain. One source puts it at 99%. MLS would use replacement referees if that happens," writes Bogert.

MLS plans to kick off the season on February 21, with a match featuring Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez, against Real Salt Lake.

The referee strike would delay the start of Messi and Inter Miami – who have not had a smooth preseason with a goalless draw against El Salvador and a defeat against FC Dallas – and the rest of the teams in the United States soccer league. However, MLS has a contingency plan to start according to the schedule: recruiting substitute referees.

Nevertheless, if they are unable to secure replacements, the beginning of the 2024/25 MLS season could be indefinitely postponed.

Spurs' Long-Serving Hugo Lloris Heads to LAFC After 11 Years