Argentina and Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer (MLS) for grabbing the neck of an opposition coach during a league match on Saturday.
The MLS Disciplinary Committee took the decision following an incident at the end of Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw with New York City FC. Messi, 37, was seen approaching New York City’s assistant coach, Mehdi Ballouchy, and placing his hand on the back of his neck.
The altercation occurred shortly after Messi had an argument with the referee, which earned him a yellow card for dissent. His teammate, Luis Suárez, was also fined for violating the same MLS policy after pinching the back of opposing player Birk Risa’s neck during half-time.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano downplayed the controversy, stating, “It’s difficult sometimes to control emotions. In football, you have to understand the players and the emotions of the game. What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch.”
