Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount for grabbing a New York City FC coach by the neck following Saturday’s MLS season opener, the league announced.
Video footage captured Messi approaching the coach and grabbing the back of his neck, prompting the coach to quickly pull away from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner after the 2-2 draw in Miami.
The MLS Disciplinary Committee issued the fine on Tuesday, citing Messi’s violation of league conduct rules.
Messi’s teammate, Luis Suárez, was also fined the same day for violating the MLS policy on contact involving the face, head, or neck of an opponent.
Neither Messi nor Inter Miami has released an official statement regarding the incident. However, the altercation has sparked debate among fans and analysts about on-field discipline and MLS regulations.
