Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has been fined after an on-field altercation with New York City FC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy following their 2-2 draw in the MLS season opener 🏟️⚽.
🔥 Messi Penalized for Grabbing NYCFC Coach’s Neck
After providing a stoppage-time assist for Telasco Segovia’s equalizer, Messi was caught on camera twice placing his hands on the back of Ballouchy’s neck. The MLS ruled that his actions violated the league’s “hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy”, resulting in a fine 💰🚨.
Messi’s Uruguayan teammate Luis Suárez also received a fine for a similar incident at half-time, where he placed his hands on the neck of NYCFC defender Birk Risa 😬🤦♂️.
⚽ Messi Shines as Miami Advances in CONCACAF Champions Cup 🌟🔥
Despite the controversy, Messi bounced back in style, scoring in Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Tuesday 🏆. The win secured their place in the second round of the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup ✅🎉.
🔹 19’ ⚽ Messi opened the scoring early
🔹 Tadeo Allende & Luis Suárez added first-half goals
🔹 Memo Rodríguez scored for Sporting KC in the 63rd minute
With a 4-1 aggregate victory, Inter Miami now prepares to face CONCACAF Caribbean Cup champions Cavalier FC 🏴☠️⚔️.
📅 Upcoming Fixtures:
📍 March 6 – Miami 🆚 Cavalier FC at Chase Stadium
📍 March 13 – Cavalier FC 🆚 Miami at Stadium East Field, Jamaica 🇯🇲
💭 What do you think of Messi’s fine? Fair or harsh? Drop your thoughts below in the comments! ⬇️
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