Lionel Messi Fined for Grabbing Opposition Coach’s Neck
Lionel Messi Fined for Grabbing Opposition Coach’s Neck
Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer (MLS) for grabbing the neck of an opposition coach.
Following Inter Miami's match against New York City FC on Saturday, Messi placed his hand on the back of NYCFC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy’s neck as he exited the field.
Earlier, the reigning league MVP had received a yellow card after a heated exchange with the referee.
"The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi an undisclosed amount for violating the hands-to-the-face/head/neck policy following the conclusion of Inter Miami’s match against New York City FC on February 22," the league stated on Tuesday.
Messi’s teammate, Luis Suárez, was also fined an undisclosed amount for a similar action during the game, when he grabbed the back of NYCFC defender Birk Risa’s neck at the end of the first half.
Inter Miami has been contacted for comment on the fines.
The match, marking the teams' first game of the MLS season, ended in a 2-2 draw after Telasco Segovia scored a stoppage-time equalizer for Miami.
Inter Miami had been reduced to 10 players midway through the first half when Tomás Avilés, who had earlier scored, was sent off for fouling Alonso Martínez in front of goal, despite appearing to win the ball.
NYCFC took a 2-1 lead with goals from Mitja Ilenič and Martínez, but Miami salvaged a draw when Messi, who recorded two assists in the match, set up Segovia for a chipped finish into the net.
Miami was also in action in the Concacaf Champions Cup on Tuesday, securing a 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City to advance to the round of 16, with goals from Messi, Suárez, and Tadeo Allende.
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