Lionel Messi, captain of Inter Miami and Argentina, has been fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer (MLS) for an incident during Saturday’s 2-2 draw against New York City FC.
The MLS Disciplinary Committee handed down the fine after Messi was seen grabbing the neck of New York City FC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy at the end of the match, according to BBC Sport.
The incident occurred shortly after Messi received a yellow card for dissent following an argument with the referee. Footage showed the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner approaching Ballouchy and placing his hand on the back of his neck.
Adding to the disciplinary action, Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez was also fined for a separate incident during the same match. Suarez was penalized for pinching the back of New York City player Birk Risa’s neck at halftime.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano attempted to downplay the controversies, stating, “It’s difficult sometimes to control emotions. In football, you have to understand the players and the emotions of the game. What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch.”
While the exact amount of the fines remains undisclosed, the MLS’s decision serves as a reminder of the league’s commitment to maintaining discipline and professionalism on the field.Sources and related content
