Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer (MLS) following a heated altercation with New York City FC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy after a dramatic 2-2 draw between Inter Miami and NYCFC.
Tensions escalated after the final whistle, and Messi, visibly frustrated, engaged in a verbal confrontation with Ballouchy.
During the exchange, Messi placed his hand on the back of the coach’s neck, a move that took many by surprise. MLS quickly responded by issuing a fine to the Argentine star, though the specific amount has not been disclosed.
Messi wasn’t the only Inter Miami player to face disciplinary action. His teammate, Luis Suárez, was also fined for a separate incident during halftime, where he was seen pinching NYCFC defender Birk Risa on the neck.
Despite the fines, both Messi and Suárez remain eligible to play in their upcoming fixtures, including Inter Miami’s next challenge against Sporting Kansas City in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
