February 26, 2025– Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount after grabbing a New York City FC coach by the neck during Saturday’s Major League Soccer (MLS) season opener, the league announced.
Video footage captured Messi approaching the coach and placing his hand on the back of his neck, prompting the coach to pull away from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. The incident occurred after the match ended in a 2-2 draw in Miami.
Following a review, the MLS Disciplinary Committee issued the fine on Tuesday, citing Messi’s actions as a violation of league conduct.
In a related development, Messi’s teammate Luis Suárez was also fined on the same day for breaching the league’s “face/head/neck of an opponent” policy. During halftime, Suárez was seen pinching the back of Norwegian defender Birk Risa’s neck.
Inter Miami will now shift focus to their upcoming match against Sporting Kansas City in the CONCACAF Champions Cup later on Tuesday.
The MLS has continued to enforce strict disciplinary measures to maintain professionalism and sportsmanship among players in the league.
