MLS Fines Messi After Heated Touchline Confrontation with NYCFC Assistant Coach
Major League Soccer (MLS) has fined Lionel Messi an undisclosed amount after he grabbed the neck of New York City FC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy following a tense 2-2 draw on Saturday.
The World Cup-winning Argentine was caught on camera confronting Ballouchy at the end of the match at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium. During the exchange, Messi twice placed his hands on the back of the coach’s neck.
MLS confirmed in a statement that its disciplinary committee found him in violation of the league’s “Hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent” policy.
The heated encounter followed his crucial stoppage-time assist for Telasco Segovia, securing a last-minute equalizer for Inter Miami in their season opener.
Meanwhile, his teammate, Luis Suárez, also received a fine for a similar offense, after putting his hands on NYCFC defender Birk Risa’s neck during halftime.
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