Argentina and Inter Miami CF captain and star player Lionel Messi has found himself in hot water after the latter was fined for an undisclosed amount by the Major League Soccer (MLS) for grabbing the neck of the opposition team's support staff during the MLS match on Saturday. (More Football News)
Messi Vs MLS: Inter Miami Captain Fined By Major League Soccer For Grabbing Hold Of NYCFC's Asst Coach
Lionel Messi's teammate Luis Suarez was also fined for making contact with NYCFC's Birk Risa during a heated exchange after the first half
♓The incident took place post the final whistle during the 2-2 draw between the two sides at the Chase Stadium. In the video that has gone viral, Messi appears to grab hold of the NYCFC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy's neck. The assistant coach, who was visibly shock, did not revert to Messi's actions.
ౠThe Argentine's altercation with Ballouchy took place shortly after the former had an argument with the referee that earned him a yellow card for dissent.
🌟The MLS, in a statement, stated that Messi had breached the league's "Hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent” policy.
ꦿMeanwhile, Messi's teammate Luis Suarez too was fined by the MLS for making contact with the opponent's Birk Risa during their heated confrontation after the first-half. Suarez seemed to have placed his hand on Risa's neck during their argument before NYCFC’s Strahinja Tanasijević’s intervention.
“It’s difficult sometimes to control emotions. In football, you have to understand the players and the emotions of the game. What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch,” Inter Miami 🧸coach Javier Mascherano said downplaying the controversy.
🐼Despite the fines, Messi and Suarez both starred for the team as Inter Miami booked their spot in CONCACAF Champions Cup last 16, by beating Kansas City with an aggregate score of 4-1 in the first-round tie.
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