San Jose Earthquakes head coach Bruce Arena defended his decision to stop Lionel Messi from receiving a "ridiculous" red card after their clash with Inter Miami in midweek.

The Earthquakes played out a 3-3 draw with Javier Mascherano's team, though Messi let his frustrations boil over at the full-time whistle.

The Argentine was unhappy about a decision not to award a foul on the edge of the box late in the game and directly made his way over to referee Joe Dickerson after the match.

He received a yellow card for his actions and continued to make his feelings known despite the situation, with Arena stepping in to avoid further escalation.

"He was obviously not happy, and I wanted to make sure he wasn't going to get a red card," Arena said in his postgame news conference.

"I just tried to move him out of the way, because for him to get a red card at the end of the game would have been ridiculous.

"I just wanted to make sure we get him out of there, and he's ready to play the next game for Miami."

This weekend's game will see Arena return to the Gillette Stadium to face his old team, the New England Revolution, where he spent four years at the club.

He guided the Revs to the Supporters' Shield in 2021 before resigning in September 2023, with New England struggling in their first season without him at the helm.

Caleb Porter, the man that took over from Arena the Revs, explained his admiration for the 73-year-old and expects a tough test against his San Jose side.

"They are a very good attacking team. They have scored a lot of goals and created a ton of chances, while also having a lot of talent in their forward line," Porter said.

"They prefer an open game where those front guys can run and have the freedom to hurt you in open spaces.

"They really flourish in that type of game, but it also means that they give up some chances and goals as well.

"Their last game will be the type of example of the game they like to play. It's going to be a tough game, a difficult one because they are a very good team."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

New England Revolution – Carles Gil

Gil has contributed to a goal in five consecutive regular-season matches, equalling the longest streak of his career (fifth time).

Only Adam Buksa in 2022 and Gustavo Bou in 2021 in the last 15 seasons have recorded goal contributions in six straight league games for the Revs.

SJ Earthquakes – Cristian Arango

With his goal on Wednesday against Inter Miami, Arango has scored nine goals this season, the second most in MLS.

He has scored five goals in his last five regular-season matches and will be looking to continue that run at the Gillette Stadium.

MATCH PREDICTION: NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION WIN

This will be the first meeting between New England and San Jose in over six years, since a 3-1 Revs home win on May 11, 2019. San Jose have not beaten New England since scoring a 1-0 win in March 2012.

New England have collected 16 points from their last seven regular-season matches (W5 D1 L1). The Revs had totalled 10 points from their previous 19 regular-season matches dating back to last July (W2 D4 L13).

San Jose, meanwhile, won their last away match, 2-0, at Colorado on May 10. The Earthquakes have not won consecutive road games in all competitions in nearly six years, since winning against the LA Galaxy and Vancouver Whitecaps in July 2019.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

New England Revolution – 49.3%

Draw – 25.5%

SJ Earthquakes – 25.2%