By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Lionel Messi has been fined fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer for violating the “hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent” rule during the team’s season-opening MLS match against New York City FC Saturday, the league announced Tuesday.
The MLS Disciplinary Committee took the decision to fine Inter Miami forward Messi, 37, following an incident at the end of the 2-2 draw with New York City FC on 22 February.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was seen approaching a member of the opposition coaching staff and putting his hand on the back of their neck.
Team-mate Luis Suarez has also been fined for violating the same MLS policy, after he pinched the back of opposing player Birk Risa’s neck in an incident at half-time.
Suárez and Messi will continue to be available for Inter Miami as the team faces Houston Dynamo FC on the second matchday of the 2025 MLS season.