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Footballer Lionel Messi fined for “grabbing” opposition coach’s neck (Video)
Major League Soccer has fined Lionel Messi after the Inter Miami captain “grabbed” a New York City FC coach by the neck.
The MLS Disciplinary Committee took the decision to fine Inter Miami forward Messi, 37, following an incident at the end of the 2-2 draw with New York City FC on 22 February.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was seen approaching a member of the opposition coaching staff and putting his hand on the back of their neck during the arguments.
The real side of the ‘humble Lionel Messi.’
Kept disrespecting the referee until he got booked and then went on to grab their assistant coach by the neck.
Embarrassing behaviour. Man child.pic.twitter.com/6LYG6REpAx
— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) February 23, 2025
MLS said in a statement that their disciplinary committee had ruled that he had violated the league’s “Hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy”.
Messi had just set up a stoppage-time equaliser for team-mate Telasco Segovia in the 2-2 draw at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium in the season opener.
Team-mate Luis Suarez has also been fined for violating the same MLS policy, after he pinched the back of opposing player Birk Risa’s neck in an incident at half-time.
