The MLS have responded after fans suggested Lionel Messi could be involved in a potential conflict of interest following Inter Miami's first ever Supporters' Shield triumph.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner bagged a brace as Tata Martino's side beat Columbus Crew 3-2 at Lower.com Field.
Messi opened the scoring and added a stunning free-kick second in an eventful end to the first half.
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The Argentine legend took his Inter tally to 30 goals in 34 games and lifted a 46th career trophy and a second bit of silverware with the Herons.
There were wild scenes in the visiting dressing room, with champagne sprayed all over the show in the jubilant celebrations.
Messi shared a slew of snaps on his Instagram but one featured a quite genius bit of product placement.
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He held the shield aloft while posing alongside Inter owner Jorge Mas. However, in his hand Messi also had a bottle of his sports drink Mas+, which was released in June and is affiliated with White Claw Hard Seltzer founder Mark Anthony.
But some speculated that the advertising of Messi's latest business venture might not please MLS chiefs.
That's because the MLS already have an partnership with Body Armor, who are the official drinks sponsor of the league and signed a multi-year deal in 2019.
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Their beverages are stationed at benches and dressing rooms for MLS sides, while Inter also have a drinks partner of their own in CELSIUS, which is sold at the Chase Stadium.
On X, Franco Panizo, an Inter Miami podcaster and journalist, wrote: "Leo Messi raises the Supporters Shield along with a bottle of his newly-launched sports drink — Más+ — next to Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas.
"Double-whammy (though have to imagine MLS sponsor Body Armor will not be pleased)."
However, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to SPORTbible that there was no conflict of interest with Messi holding the bottle of his own brand.
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Although Body Armor is an official MLS partner, it's understood both clubs and players are allowed to have deals with their own respective category sponsors.
Messi has had an incredible impact on Inter in many aspects on and off the pitch and will now hope to go one better by leading them to the MLS Cup.
"Happy that we did it," Messi told Apple TV after winning the Supporters' Shield.
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"At the beginning of the year we knew that this was a group to fight for this. We took charge from the beginning, we had the players to do this.
"I am happy to secure the first objective, and we're thinking of the next."
Although there are two regular season games left, Inter have advanced to the MLS Cup play-offs as the No.1 seed from the Eastern Conference and qualified for the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2025.
Topics: Inter Miami, Lionel Messi, MLS, Fan Reactions
Josh Lawless