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Lionel Messi has received a fine for an incident involving NYCFC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy. The league announced that Messi was penalized for placing his hand on Ballouchy's neck during a heated argument following the match that ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
This interaction occurred amidst a verbal exchange after a tense game, where Inter Miami was forced to play with 10 men from the 23rd minute after one of their players was given the marching orders with a red card.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez fined for their conduct
The incident sparked off a heated confrontation between the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and referees on the pitch. Amidst such chaos, Lionel Messi was seen losing his temper and confronting one of the coaching assistants of New York FC.
Luis Suarez, the star striker for Inter Miami CF, has been fined by the league for his inappropriate actions during halftime of the match against New York City Football Club on February 22. The MLS Disciplinary Committee determined that Suarez violated the policy regarding hands to the face, head, or neck of an opponent after he and NYCFC defender Birk Risa exchanged words. Suarez was found to have touched Risa's neck before teammates stepped in to diffuse the situation.
"The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined Inter Miami CF forward Luis Suárez an undisclosed amount for violating the hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy during halftime of Miami’s match against the New York City Football Club on Feb. 22," read the official statement.
"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 the New York City Football Club on Feb. 22." read the official statement.
The Herons' next fixture is against Sporting KC in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup tie, where they currently have a 1-0 aggregate lead. Following this match, they will play the Dynamo in Houston as they resume MLS league action.