Lionel Messi has received five yellow cards in the 2026 MLS regular season, which would normally trigger a one-match suspension. However, the Inter Miami captain will not miss the club's upcoming match against New England Revolution.

The reason is a little-known MLS rule called the “Good Behavior Incentive.” Under the rule, a player can reduce his yellow-card accumulation by one after appearing in five consecutive matches without receiving a yellow card, red card or supplemental discipline.

How Did Messi's Yellow-Card Total Drop?

Messi received his fifth yellow card of the MLS season during Inter Miami's 2–2 draw against FC Cincinnati last Wednesday. He was booked in the 44th minute, adding to cautions he had previously received in Matchweeks 8, 11, 20 and 31.

But not all five bookings count toward the suspension threshold.

MLS regulations state that a player automatically reduces his yellow-card accumulation total by one after five consecutive appearances without a yellow card, red card or supplemental discipline. The incentive can be applied a maximum of three times during the regular season, and the total cannot fall below zero.

Messi has completed multiple five-match clean stretches this season. As a result, two of his previous yellow cards have effectively been removed from the accumulation total used to determine suspension.

The cards remain part of his disciplinary record, but they no longer count toward the suspension threshold in the same way. That is why his latest booking does not automatically trigger a one-match ban.

Why Does MLS Have This Rule?

The Good Behavior Incentive is designed to reward players who maintain discipline over a sustained period.

If a player avoids disciplinary action for five consecutive appearances, one yellow card is removed from his accumulation total. However, the benefit is limited to three applications during the regular season.

Messi Available for Crucial New England Match

The ruling means Messi will be available when Inter Miami face New England Revolution.

The match carries significant importance beyond the regular-season standings, with both teams already having secured MLS playoff places but still competing for a position that could provide direct qualification for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.

For Inter Miami, having Messi available is therefore a major boost. Despite reaching five yellow cards, the Argentine star remains eligible because of MLS's Good Behavior Incentive.