MIAMI, United States (AFP) – Lionel Messi is facing disciplinary action from Major League Soccer after an altercation with a New York City FC assistant coach following Saturday’s intense season opener.
The Argentine football legend, who had just assisted in a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer for Inter Miami, was involved in a confrontation with Mehdi Ballouchy, an assistant coach for NYCFC, as the final whistle blew.
In the incident, Messi was seen placing his hands on Ballouchy’s neck during a verbal exchange. MLS quickly moved to impose a fine, citing a violation of the league’s “Hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy.”
In a parallel incident, Messi’s teammate, Luis Suarez, also found himself in trouble after a similar exchange with NYCFC defender Birk Risa during halftime, resulting in both players facing fines for their actions.
The league’s swift response underlines the growing emphasis on maintaining sportsmanship and discipline in the face of high-stakes matches.
