Messi fined for fighting with rival assistant coach

After being held to a 2-2 draw by New York City in the opening match of the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, many Inter Miami players reacted to referee Alexis Da Silva and their opponents. Messi at one point pointed directly at the referee and kept saying something, to the point of receiving a yellow card.

The Argentine superstar then continued his exchange with Ballouchy. He placed his hand on the shoulder of the New York City assistant coach and turned away. Ballouchy was talking to another member of the Inter Miami coaching staff at the time.

Suddenly, Messi turned around, put his hand on Ballouchy's neck and squeezed. Ballouchy seemed to be in pain, pulled his neck back and looked at Messi in surprise. Then the Inter Miami captain left.

On February 26, the MLS Organizing Committee announced that Messi had "violated the rule of putting his hands on the face, head or neck of an opponent." However, the league did not disclose the fine for the 37-year-old superstar.

Also in the MLS announcement, striker Luis Suarez was fined for the same reason as Messi, but with a different player. Messi and Suarez are still eligible to play in the next MLS match against Houston Dynamo on the evening of March 2.

Inter Miami players were unhappy with the referee in the match against New York City, partly because they had to play with one less player from the 23rd minute, after midfielder Tomas Aviles received a red card. At one point, down 1-2, the home team still equalized in the last minute thanks to midfielder Telasco Segovia. Messi did not score but assisted twice in this match.