MLS fines Messi for squeezing opposing coach’s neck. What happened
Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have been fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer’s Disciplinary Committee following separate incidents during the club’s season opener, the league announced Tuesday.
After the final whistle blew in the 2-2 draw Saturday, Messi squeezed the back of the neck of New York City FC coach Mehdi Ballouchy, causing the coach to clench his shoulders while looking back at the Argentine World Cup champion. Video of the incident went viral during the opening weekend of the 2025 MLS season.
Consider the fine a slap on the wrist — or a squeeze to the neck, if you will — for Messi, the reigning MLS MVP in his first discipline from the league since his monumental arrival in July 2023.
Messi and Suarez both violated the hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy, the MLS disciplinary committee’s announcement said.
Suarez grabbed the back of New York City defender Birk Risa’s neck after the halftime whistle as both players argued on the pitch before teammates intervened.
Messi, Suarez and Sergio Busquets were among Inter Miami players who contested a NYCFC player should have received a second yellow card and an ejection before halftime during the game.
An immediate red card was issued to Inter Miami’s Toto Aviles in the 23rd minute, forcing Inter Miami to play with just 10 players for most of the match.
Messi had two assists against New York City — one in the fifth minute to Aviles, and one in the 100th minute to Telasco Segovia to salvage the club’s home opener. A fuming Messi received a yellow card from the lead official as the match ended.
Ballouchy started a conversation with Messi near the sideline after the card was pulled. Inter Miami assistant Javier Morales also approached Ballouchy as Messi briefly walked away before turning back toward Ballouchy and then squeezing the back of his neck.
Messi will play for Inter Miami play in its Concacaf Champions Cup on Tuesday night against Sporting Kansas City, leading the first-round series 1-0 in aggregate score.
Inter Miami’s next MLS match is on the road against Houston Dynamo on March 2, in the second edition of MLS and Apple TV’s ‘Sunday Night Soccer’ showcase.
