Lionel Messi, the star captain of Inter Miami, has been fined by Major League Soccer (MLS) following a controversial incident during the 2025 season opener against New York City FC (NYCFC). The disciplinary action stems from Messi grabbing the neck of NYCFC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy at the conclusion of the match, which ended in a tense 2-2 draw.
The incident occurred as Messi was leaving the pitch after the final whistle, where he had also received a yellow card during the match for arguing with the referee, Alexis Da Silva. This confrontation didn't escape the cameras, and fans quickly caught the footage of Messi, visibly agitated, placing his hands on the back of Ballouchy’s neck. During the verbal exchange, Messi reportedly squeezed the neck of the assistant coach twice, which led MLS to state explicitly, “he had violated the league’s ‘Hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy.’”
Messi’s teammate, Uruguayan Luis Suárez, faced similar consequences for his actions during the game. He had also grabbed NYCFC defender Birk Risa by the neck amid another skirmish at halftime. Both players received undisclosed fines as part of MLS's commitment to maintaining discipline and sportsmanship within the league.
During the match, Messi was instrumental for Inter Miami, contributing two assists, including a stoppage-time helper for teammate Telasco Segovia to level the score against NYCFC. His performance, marked by creativity and flair, exemplified why he is considered one of the greatest players of all time, yet it was overshadowed by the unsportsmanlike conduct following the match.
Following the incident with Ballouchy, Messi was observed walking away from the situation before turning back, which raised eyebrows and sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. Taylor Twellman, the lead analyst for MLS and Apple TV, noted, “Grabbing an assistant coach by the neck. Going after the ref. Not a great look.”
The confrontation raises questions about how the league will manage Messi’s behavior, especially since he is seen as the face of MLS after joining the league. His presence has significantly elevated the sport's profile, drawing international attention and fanfare to the league since his arrival—from packed stadiums to soaring jersey sales.
While the league typically reviews all incidents thoroughly, the circumstances surrounding Messi might compel MLS to exercise more scrutiny due to his stardom and the negative light this incident casts. Critics argue the need for consistent disciplinary measures regardless of the player's stature, emphasizing the necessity for young players and fans to see equitable enforcement of the league's rules.
Messi currently remains under contract with Inter Miami through the 2025 season, and his actions could influence not only public perception but also his legacy within MLS. Historically, high-profile athletes have faced heightened scrutiny for their actions, often setting precedents for how leagues handle future infractions.
Messi is no stranger to controversy; earlier this week, referees were under the spotlight after one official reportedly sought Messi's jersey post-match, leading to disciplinary measures from Concacaf. Comparatively, this latest incident, which showcased Messi's competitive spirit, unfortunately, dims his otherwise shining reputation, particularly among critics who may view such actions as detrimental to the sport.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano addressed the nature of officiate decisions post-match, indicating, “We can't control how the referee may decide to officiate, and I don’t like to give an opinion because one day they favor you, another day they don’t.” Such comments highlight the intense emotions surrounding games where every decision is closely analyzed, and actions by star players continually under scrutiny.
Messi’s remarkable achievements on the field could be casting shadows on his moments of frustration off it. Fans remain hopeful this incident is merely a blip on the radar for one of the game’s greatest. Still, it serves as a reminder of the high standards expected of players famed for their sportsmanship as much as their skill.
With Inter Miami set to continue their season against Sporting Kansas City on Tuesday, it will be interesting to see how Messi responds to both the disciplinary action and the immediate challenges of the upcoming matches against rivals. His focus will likely shift back to performance on the pitch as his competitive nature drives him to redeem himself swiftly.