It was in the 83rd minute that Lionel Messi found the back of the net vs New England Revolution to help Inter Miami win 2-1. This was his 937th career goal as he continues to hold 2nd spot on the list after Cristiano Ronaldo. But believe it or not, Messi would not have played this game in the first place.

Why Lionel Messi Should Have Been Banned for a Game

Why? Because the 39-year-old picked up as many as five yellow cards this MLS season. When a player is yellow carded in one season, he missed one game. So as per the rules, Messi should not have been playing this match. He received bookings vs Colorado Rapids, Orlando City, Nashville SC, Atlanta United and Cincinnati.

© X/Inter Miami

How Lionel Messi's Yellow-Card Tally Came Down

So, how was Messi able to be available to play New England when he should have been on the bench for Miami? That's where a unique MLS rule comes in. There is a disciplinary provision where a player's tally of yellow cards can be reduced if they go without a booking for an extended period. As per The Athletic, this is the 2nd time this season that Messi has benefited from this provision. On both occasions, he played five straight games without a booking. As a result, like last time, his yellow-card tally was reduced from five to three. This allowed him to play vs New England.

What Do the Rules Say?

"A player will automatically reduce his yellow card accumulation total by one yellow card each time he appears in five consecutive matches without receiving a yellow card, red card or supplemental discipline in such matches. For clarity, a player cannot have a negative yellow card accumulation total; the Good Behavior Incentive can only reset a zero-card total. This incentive will be automatically applied a maximum of three times throughout the course of the MLS Regular Season," state the MLS rules and regulations.

© X/Inter Miami CF

"For example, if a player on his third caution of the season completes five consecutive matches without receiving a card or supplemental discipline, that player will have one yellow card caution removed from his cumulative total, leaving the player with a total of two yellow cards. The incentive can be applied a maximum of three times during the regular season and only takes effect once the relevant match has been completed," the rules and regulations also stated.

A Legacy That's 2nd to None

Messi played his last international for Argentina vs Benin on October 6 and finished with 126 goals in 208 games. His club career is expected to end with Miami unless there is a surprise trade, transfer or loan happening. At 39, the legend's career is on his last legs, and the man will leave behind an unmatched legacy when he walks off into the sunset.