- Lionel Messi fined for grabbing NYCFC assistant Mehdi Ballouchy’s neck after a 2-2 draw.
- Luis Suárez also fined for a similar incident involving NYCFC defender Birk Risa.
- Messi later scored in Miami’s 3-1 win over Sporting Kansas City in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Messi was involved in a heated post-match exchange with NYCFC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy, where he was seen placing his hands on the coach’s neck twice.
Despite the controversy, Messi quickly moved past the incident, leading Inter Miami to a crucial 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City. His early goal set the tone for the match, securing Miami’s spot in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup second round.
MLS Punishes Messi and Suárez After NYCFC Controversy
The altercation came after a tense game where Miami salvaged a last-minute equalizer. Messi, already in the spotlight for his performance, found himself at the center of disciplinary action for his confrontation with Ballouchy. Video footage captured Messi placing his hands on the coach’s neck, prompting league officials to issue a fine.
Suárez, another key figure in the match, also received a fine for a separate incident. During halftime, he was seen putting his hands on NYCFC’s Birk Risa. While no suspensions were handed out, the league’s firm response signals a commitment to maintaining discipline.
Inter Miami, however, showed resilience following the controversy. In their next match, Messi played a pivotal role in securing a dominant 3-1 win against Sporting Kansas City, proving his continued influence on the pitch. Miami now looks ahead to their CONCACAF Champions Cup campaign with renewed momentum.
Meanwhile, CONCACAF referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava faced suspension for requesting Messi’s autograph after the Kansas game. The league deemed it a breach of conduct, underscoring the strict policies officials must follow.
Despite the fines and off-field drama, Messi remains a driving force for Inter Miami. His leadership and performance continue to shine, keeping the team on track for a successful season.
“Football is played with the head. Your feet are just the tools.” – Andrea Pirlo
