MLS referee lockout: Messi’s Miami set for stand-in refs after union rejects CBA

• MLS set to begin with stand-in refs as CBA dispute goes on
• Lionel Messi's Miami could open with replacement officials

Major League Soccer will lock out referees after its union rejected a tentative contract, putting Lionel Messi's Inter Miami on track to open the season next week with replacement officials.

The Professional Soccer Referees Association said Saturday that 95.8% voted against a tentative agreement with the Professional Referee Organization, which supplies match officials to MLS, the NWSL and some lower-tier leagues. The union said 97.8% of approximately 260 eligible members voted.