Lionel Messi’s punishment for grabbing the neck of a coach revealed as MLS make statement

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Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount by the MLS.

The league have announced their disciplinary committee opted to punish the star following an incident at the end of a 2-2 draw with New York City on 22 February.

Inter Miami captain Messi lost his head following the four-goal thriller at Chase Stadium

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Inter Miami captain Messi lost his head following the four-goal thriller at Chase Stadium

The incident refers to footage showing the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner approaching a member of the opposition coaching staff and appearing to put his hand on the back of their neck.

The coach in question is NYFC's Mehdi Ballouchy, with whom Messi looked furious at when approaching him.

Team-mate Luis Suarez has also been fined for violating the same MLS policy.

After the final whistle of the 2-2 draw, Messi initially fumed at the referee in a meltdown that saw him berate the official.

The referee instructed Messi to walk away but the 37-year-old refused and received a yellow card.

When Messi eventually walked away from the field, NYCFC's Ballouchy appeared to say something to the Inter Miami captain.

It led to a fiery exchange between the pair and caused two Miami assistants to step in and diffuse the situation.

When the incident calmed down and the pair looked like they were going to let the moment pass, Messi returned to put his hand on Ballouchy's neck in a moment that took many by surprise.

Earlier in the match, Miami striker Suarez grabbed NYCFC defender Birk Risa's neck at half-time.

The post-match meltdown might have occurred due to the dramatic finish.

 Luis Suarez #9 of Inter Miami CF stands during a 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup second leg match between Sporting Kansas City and Inter Miami at Chase Stadium on February 25, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Eston Parker/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

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Luis Suarez was also fined for his actions following the match

 Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami celebrates scoring his third goal during the second half against the New England Revolution at Chase Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

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Lionel Messi is yet to speak out about the incident

In dramatic fashion, just before the final whistle, Messi set up a stoppage-time equalizer for teammate Telasco Segovia in the 2-2 draw at Chase Stadium.

Earlier in the match, Miami defender Tomás Avilés received a red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity, having dragged down NYC FC forward Alonso Martinez from behind as he was in on the goalkeeper.

Messi and referees have been the trend as of late in the MLS.

In Miami's season opener, the referee in charge of their CONCACAF Champions League 1st round, 1st leg against Sporting KC was disciplined after asking for the Argentinian’s shirt after the game.

Messi scored the winning goal in that game, a 1-0 win in cold temperatures in Kansas City.

They followed up victory in the first leg with a 3-1 win on Tuesday night to secure a 4-1 aggregate success and a meeting with Jamaican team Cavalier in the Round of 16.

Inter Miami and Messi return to MLS action on March 3 when they take on Houston Dynamo in Texas.

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