Major League Soccer has assessed Lionel Messi an undisclosed fine for grabbing the neck of a New York City assistant coach after Saturday’s match.
After the final whistle, the World Cup winner was caught on camera arguing with NYC FC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy. Messi twice placed his hands on the back of Ballouchy’s neck during the argument. According to MLS’s statement, the Argentinian had violated the league’s “Hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy” by engaging in such conduct. Before the fight with Ballouchy, Messi received a yellow card for disapproval when he argued with referee Alexis Da Silva after the final whistle.
At Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium, Messi had just helped Telasco Segovia score in extra time, making the score 2-2. Earlier in the match, Miami defender Tomás Avilés received a red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity, having dragged down NYC FC forward Alonso Martinez from behind as he was in on the goalkeeper. Avilés scored Miami’s first goal off another Messi assist earlier in the match.
Messi’s teammate Luis Suárez also received a similar fine for putting his hands on the back of the neck of NYC FC defender Birk Risa at half-time.
A memorable week for Messi and American officials is ended by the penalty. The referee in charge of Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions League debut against Sporting KC earlier this week was disciplined by the Concacaf Champions League federation for asking for the Argentinian player’s shirt after the game.
Messi scored the winning goal in that game, a 1-0 win that was played in frigid, single-digit temperatures in Kansas City.