The Major League Soccer (MLS) have issued fines to Argentine great Lionel Messi and Uruguayan teammate Luis Suarez for misconduct during Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw against New York City FC on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
According to Sky Sport, the players’ actions breached the league’s “hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy,” which calls for sanctions.
Due to the violation of the policy, Messi and Suarez have been fined, although the exact amount remains undisclosed.
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, was seen angrily confronting referee Rosendo Mendoza after the match, frustrated by what he believed was poor officiating in the game.
The former Barcelona player was captured venting his frustration at the referee, who gestured for him to leave. However, after refusing to walk away, the official booked him for dissent.
Still agitated, Messi approached New York City’s assistant manager, Mehdi Ballouchy, on his way to the dressing room to express his grievances.
While initially walking off, he turned back and grabbed the back of Ballouchy’s neck while speaking to him angrily.
His teammate Suarez was also fined for violating the same MLS policy earlier in the match. Suarez pinched the back of Norwegian defender Birk Risa’s neck in an incident at halftime.
Inter Miami kicked off their season with a disappointing draw, despite Messi providing two assists.
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