MLS fine Lionel Messi for grabbing New York City FC coach by the neck

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has received an undisclosed fine for an incident involving a member of the New York City FC coaching staff, during which he grabbed the individual by the neck following Saturday's MLS season opener, as reported by the league.

Footage captured the moment Messi approached the coach and seized the back of his neck, prompting the coach to recoil from the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient after the match concluded in a 2-2 tie in Miami.

The fine was levied by the MLS Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday.

Additionally, Messi's teammate Luis Suarez was also fined on the same day for breaching the league's policy regarding contact with the "face/head/neck of an opponent" during halftime, when he pinched the neck of Norwegian defender Birk Risa.

Inter Miami is scheduled to face Sporting KC later on Tuesday in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

SportsLigue