Major League Soccer (MLS) has come down hard on superstar Lionel Messi, issuing him a fine for his conduct during the recent season opener. The fine, announced on Tuesday, follows Messi's controversial actions during the match against New York City FC, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
The incident unfolded after Messi assisted his teammate, Telasco Segovia, for a stoppage-time equaliser. Following the match's conclusion, Messi, who had already received a yellow card for arguing with referee Alexis Da Silva, engaged in heated exchanges with NYCFC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy. Reports indicate Messi placed his hand on the back of Ballouchy's neck and squeezed hard enough to stun him.
According to The Economic Times, "MLS confirmed its disciplinary committee had ruled Messi had breached the league's policy," which prohibits hands to the face, head, or neck of opponents. The fine issued to Messi is undisclosed, but it adds to the scrutiny surrounding his behavior on the field.
Interestingly, Messi wasn't the only player facing repercussions after the match. His Inter Miami teammate, Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez, also received fines for putting his hands on NYCFC defender Birk Risa's neck during halftime, indicating the league's zero-tolerance policy for such gestures.
This season opener was marked by tensions, and other players found themselves on the receiving end of fines and suspensions as well. Chicago Fire midfielder Brian Gutiérrez was suspended for one match after knocking down Columbus Crew's Yevhen Cheberko with a high elbow, which drew attention to player safety and sportsmanship. He will miss the next game against D.C. United, now scheduled for March 1.
Adding to the drama, Portland Timbers defender Kamal Miller was also fined for failing to leave the field quickly enough after being shown a red card just 11 minutes on the pitch.
These disciplinary actions highlight not just the potential consequences of unsportsmanlike behavior, but how seriously MLS takes the integrity of the league. The governing body aims to maintain order and respect among teams, players, and coaching staff. Fines like the one against Messi stress the message to all involved—behavior dictated by passion and aggression must still adhere to league rules.
Despite the negative headlines, the league is working to reposition itself as serious about enforcing its rules. The advent of high-profile players like Messi has brought more scrutiny to the league's operations, compelling officials to uphold stricter standards, which they hope will nurture mutual respect and professionalism within the competition.
The anticipation surrounding Messi’s participation and conduct continues to generate conversations about how superstar athletes should embody the sportsmanship their status commands. While the global star contributes significantly to the visibility of MLS, incidents like this may overshadow his contributions if they continue.
Moving forward, observers will be watching carefully as the league navigates these challenges. MLS’s commitment to maintaining discipline through fines and suspensions could also play a role in shaping player behavior, potentially influencing upcoming games and the broader culture of sportsmanship.
The outcome of this incident solidifies the conversation surrounding the behavior of high-profile players and the standard of conduct expected on and off the field. Messi's fine is more than just a penalty; it's a reminder of the importance of professional conduct, regardless of the stakes. Fans will undoubtedly be able to witness the impact of these disciplinary measures as the season progresses.