Messi, Suarez fined for grabbing opponents’ neck during MLS game

Former Barcelona players Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have both been fined for grabbing the neck of a coach and player in Inter Miami’s season opener.

The incidents took place in a pulsating 2-2 draw in the MLS with New York City FC. The Argentine had set up a stoppage – equaliser for Telasco Segovia at the Chase Stadium. The World Cup winner then confronted NYCFC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy on the pitch after the final whistle.

Messi and Ballouchy debated back and forth before the Argentine placed his hand on the assistant manager’s neck.

Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring for Inter Miami. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images)

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner looked to be walking away before holding his neck again more firmly, as the two exchanged stern looks. Lionel Messi was raging about a number of decisions at full time and had a go at at referee Rosendo Mendoza before being handed a post-match yellow card.

Team-mate Luis Suarez has also been fined for violating the same MLS rule after her pinched Norwegian defender Birk Risa’s neck in an incident at half-time.

“The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi an undisclosed amount for violating the hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy following the conclusion of Inter Miami’s match against New York City FC on February 22,” a statement from the league read. A similar statement was issued in relation to Suarez’s offence.

This latest development comes after a referee in charge of Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions League opener was disciplined after asking for Messi’s shirt after their 1-0 win over Sporting KC.

Inter Miami returned to action on Tuesday night, taking on Sporting Kansas City in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. After winning 1-0 in the first leg, they claimed a 3-1 victory at Chase Stadium with Messi and Suarez both among the goals.