Lionel Messi, the star forward for Inter Miami, has been fined by Major League Soccer (MLS) for grabbing the neck of New York City FC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy after a heated 2-2 draw between the two teams.
The incident took place after the final whistle when Messi appeared frustrated and got into a verbal exchange with Ballouchy before placing his hand on the coach’s neck.
Messi was not the only Miami player punished. His teammate, Luis Suárez, was also fined for a separate but similar altercation during halftime. Suarez and NYCFC defender Birk Risa exchanged words before the Uruguayan forward was seen touching the Norwegian defender’s neck. Teammates had to step in to prevent the situation from escalating.
MLS confirmed the fines in an official statement, explaining that both Messi and Suárez violated the league’s rules regarding physical contact with opponents and staff.
The statement read, “The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined Inter Miami CF forward Luis Suárez an undisclosed amount for violating the hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy during halftime of Miami’s match against the New York City Football Club on Feb. 22.
“The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi an undisclosed amount for violating the hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy following the conclusion of Inter Miami’s match against the New York City Football Club on Feb. 22.”
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The league did not disclose the exact amount of the fines but emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline and professionalism on the field.
Miami’s frustration in the game was evident, especially after going down to ten men early in the 23rd minute. Despite their numerical disadvantage, they managed to secure a 2-2 draw, but emotions ran high after the final whistle, leading to the confrontations involving Messi and Suárez.
Inter Miami will now shift focus to their upcoming fixtures. They hold a 1-0 aggregate lead in their CONCACAF Champions Cup tie against Sporting Kansas City, with the second leg approaching. Following that, they will return to MLS action with an away match against the Houston Dynamo.
Despite the fines, Messi and Suárez remain key players for Miami as they look to maintain their strong start to the season.