Messi Fined by MLS for Grabbing Opposing Coach’s Neck
Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine forward, has made headlines once again, but this time, it’s not for his brilliance on the field. The Inter Miami star has been fined by Major League Soccer (MLS) after an incident during a heated match against New York City FC on February 22. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was caught on camera placing his hand on the back of an opposing coach’s neck after the final whistle, a move that has led to disciplinary action from the league.
The MLS Disciplinary Committee reviewed the footage and determined that Messi violated the league’s policy prohibiting hands to the face, head, or neck of an opponent. As a result, he was fined an undisclosed amount. While the fine itself may not be significant for a player of Messi’s stature, the incident has sparked discussions about his emotions on the field and whether such actions are justified in moments of frustration.
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Messi wasn’t the only Inter Miami player penalized. His teammate, Luis Suárez, was also fined for a similar violation after he pinched the neck of NYCFC defender Birk Risa at halftime. This added to the already intense atmosphere of the match, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Despite the controversy, Messi played a key role in the game, providing two crucial assists, including a stoppage-time equalizer.
This fine comes amid an eventful week for Messi in the U.S. soccer scene. Just days before, a referee in a Concacaf Champions Cup match was disciplined for asking Messi for his jersey after Inter Miami’s 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City. The incident raised concerns about professionalism and impartiality in officiating.
While Messi’s competitive spirit is undeniable, this latest incident serves as a reminder that even the greatest players must adhere to the rules. Whether this moment of frustration was an outlier or a sign of growing tensions in the MLS remains to be seen. For now, Messi and Inter Miami will look to move past the controversy and focus on their upcoming matches.
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