Lionel Messi Penalized for Grabbing Opponent’s Coach by the Neck

Major League Soccer has issued a fine to Lionel Messi following an incident in which he placed his hand on the neck of an opposing coach.

The altercation took place after Inter Miami’s match against New York City FC on Saturday when Messi was seen touching NYCFC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy’s neck as he exited the field. The incident followed a heated moment with the referee, during which Messi received a yellow card.

On Tuesday, the league released a statement confirming the disciplinary action:

“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 New York City FC on February 22.”

Messi wasn’t the only Miami player penalized—his teammate Luis Suárez also received a fine for a similar action, grabbing the back of NYCFC defender Birk Risa’s neck before halftime.

Inter Miami has yet to comment on the sanctions.

The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Miami salvaging a point in stoppage time after a late goal from Telasco Segovia. Messi, who contributed two assists, set up the equalizer after Miami had been reduced to 10 men early in the game.

Following the MLS opener, Inter Miami returned to action in the Concacaf Champions Cup on Tuesday, securing a 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City and advancing to the round of 16, with goals from Messi, Suárez, and Tadeo Allende.