OFFICIAL: Lionel Messi fined by MLS after grabbing opposing coach by neck

Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer after grabbing the neck of a New York City assistant coach at the end of Saturday’s game between the sides.

The World Cup winner was caught on camera in a confrontation with NYC FC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy after the final whistle. Messi twice put his hands on the back of Ballouchy’s neck during the arguments. MLS said in a statement that their disciplinary committee had ruled that the Argentinian had violated the league’s “Hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy.”

Before the confrontation with Ballouchy, Messi appeared incensed with referee Alexis Da Silva, remonstrating after the final whistle and receiving a yellow card for dissent on his way back down the tunnel.

Messi had just set-up a stoppage time equalizer for teammate Telasco Segovia in the 2-2 draw at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium. Earlier in the match, Miami defender Tomás Avilés received a red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity, having dragged down NYC FC forward Alonso Martinez from behind as he was in on the goalkeeper. Avilés scored Miami’s first goal off another Messi assist earlier in the match.

Messi’s teammate Luis Suárez also received a similar fine for putting his hands on the back of the neck of NYC FC defender Birk Risa at half-time.

The fine continues a notable week for Messi and referees in the United States. Earlier in the week, the referee in charge of Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions League opener against Sporting KC was disciplined by the confederation after asking for the Argentinian’s shirt after the game. Messi scored the winning goal in that game, a 1-0 win that was played in frigid, single-digit temperatures in Kansas City.