Lionel Messi Fined After Heated Clash with NYC Coach

Lionel Messi has been fined by MLS for grabbing NYC FC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy neck after a heated 2-2 draw. The World Cup winner, who assisted both Inter Miami goals, also received a yellow card for dissent. His teammate Luis Suárez was fined for a similar offense. This comes days after a referee in Miami CONCACAF clash was disciplined for asking Messi for his shirt.

In the MLS, Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount after grabbing New York City FC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy by the neck following a heated 2-2 draw between Inter Miami and NYC FC. The league’s disciplinary committee ruled that Messi violated the “Hands to the face/head/neck” policy. The incident occurred after Messi, who had already assisted both of Miami’s goals, argued with the referee and received a yellow card for dissent.

During the match, Miami’s Tomás Avilés was sent off for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity, while Messi’s teammate Luis Suárez also received a similar fine for putting his hands on NYC FC defender Birk Risa's neck at halftime. This marks a controversial week for Messi, as earlier, a referee in the Concacaf Champions League opener against Sporting KC was disciplined for asking Messi for his jersey after Miami’s 1-0 win in freezing conditions.

Despite these incidents, Messi continues to be a key figure for Miami, delivering crucial assists and goals. His presence in the league remains a major draw for fans, though disciplinary actions highlight the challenges of managing high-profile players in intense matches.