Messi, the "God of Football" who plays for Inter Miami, was fined by the League Secretariat for touching the back of the neck of the opposing coach. The Major League Soccer (MLS) Bureau announced on the 26th (Beijing time below): "The league disciplinary committee will fine Inter Miami striker Messi for 'touching the opponent's face, head and neck with his hands' during the first round of the 2025 season between Inter Miami and New York City FC on the 23rd." ”

The MLS Secretariat announced the fine imposed on Messi

MLS did not separately disclose the amount of the fine that Messi will have to pay. The video released by MLS shows Messi approaching New York City FC coach Mehdi Warucci after the match ended in a 2-2 draw, touching the back of the coach's neck and shoulder twice with his right hand.

According to ESPN, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano said: "I don't have much to say. "He said it was a problem on the field. Coach Mascherano explained: "Sometimes if there is a misjudgment, I think it will not go well for the game. But in the end, in order to understand the feelings of the players, they have to enter the ring, and it is difficult to really understand them when you are away from the field. ”

Messi touching the back of the opposing coach's neck

Coach Mascherano said: "It's often difficult to control emotions. This kind of thing happens in all matches with the referee or the opposing player. What we say and what happens can only stay in the arena. I'll forget about today and prepare for the next game. ”

Teammate Luis Suarez also pinched the back of the opposing player's neck after the first half and was fined by the disciplinary committee for allegedly violating regulations such as punishing Messi. Messi and Suarez will face Houston on March 3DynamoThe team will play normally in the next league game.