Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer after the Inter Miami captain was seen “grabbing” a New York City FC coach by the neck.
The MLS Disciplinary Committee imposed the fine on the 37-year-old forward following an incident after the 2-2 draw with New York City FC on February 22.
In the footage, Messi is seen approaching a member of the opposition’s coaching staff and placing his hand on the back of their neck amid a heated argument.
The MLS statement clarified that the disciplinary committee determined Messi had violated the league’s “Hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent” policy.
Earlier in the match, Messi had assisted a stoppage-time equalizer for his teammate, Telasco Segovia, in the dramatic draw at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium, which marked the season opener.
In a similar incident, Messi’s teammate Luis Suarez was also fined for violating the same policy after pinching the neck of opposing player Birk Risa during halftime.
