Lionel Messi was fined an unknown amount by Major League Soccer (MLS), when the Inter Miami captain was seen to grab the neck of an assistant staff member of New York City during a Saturday clash.
The incident occurred after the final whistle during a 2–2 draw between the sides at the Chess Stadium. In a video that went viral on social media, Messi was seen holding his neck screw twice with NYCFC assistant coach Mehdi Balluchi. A blind shocking Baluchi did not retaliate because Messi left the field. Messi’s collision occurred immediately after an argument with the referee, which had already earned a yellow card for dissatisfaction.
In a statement, MLS confirmed that its disciplinary committee ruled Messi, violating the policy of “hand/head/a rival’s head/neck” policy.
💰 Lionel Messi gets a fine!
The Inter Miami captain has been fined an unknown amount by MLS for “violating hands for the face/head/neck of rival policy” after New York City FC.
NYCFC assistant coach Mehdi Balluchi did not pay the fine.#IINTERMIAMICF #MESSI 𓃵 pic.twitter.com/7pmzh0gsog
– Franco Panizo (@Francopanizo) 25 February, 2025
Meanwhile, Messi’s team partner Luis Suarez was also fined for making contact with NYCFC’s Birk Risa during a hot exchange after the first half. During an argument before the intervention of Stharinja Tansijevich of NYCFC, Suarez put his hand on Risa’s neck.
“It is sometimes difficult to control emotions. In football, you have to understand players and sports feelings. What happens on the pitch remains on the pitch, ”Inter Miami Coach Xavier Mascherano said while reducing the controversy.
Despite the fine, both Messi and Suarez on Tuesday depicted the Inter Miami’s clash against Canasus City and found themselves on a scorchheet as Miami sealed the second phase with 4-1 Agigate in the first round tie of the Concafe Champions Cup. Done
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