MLS Disciplinary Committee Issues Fines to Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez Following Season Opener

The Major League Soccer (MLS) Disciplinary Committee has handed down fines to Inter Miami CF stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez for separate incidents during their team's season-opening match against New York City FC on February 22, 2025.

Messi was fined an undisclosed amount for violating the league's "hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent" policy. The incident occurred post-match when Messi was seen placing his hands on the back of NYCFC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy's neck during a heated exchange. The confrontation followed Miami's dramatic 2-2 draw at Chase Stadium, in which Messi assisted a stoppage-time equalizer for teammate Telasco Segovia.

Suárez, who also received a fine for a similar offense, was involved in a separate incident during halftime. The Uruguayan forward made contact with NYCFC defender Birk Risa by placing his hand on the back of Risa's neck during a disagreement.

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano downplayed the significance of the incidents, attributing them to the emotions of the game. "It's difficult to control emotions on the pitch," Mascherano said. "Sometimes frustration builds up, but these things happen in football."

The fines come amid a week of high-profile officiating discussions involving Messi. Days before the match against NYCFC, a referee officiating Inter Miami's Concacaf Champions Cup clash against Sporting Kansas City was disciplined for requesting Messi's jersey after the game.

Meanwhile, Chicago Fire FC midfielder Brian Gutiérrez has been suspended for one match and fined for violent conduct in the 56th minute of his team’s match against Columbus Crew. Portland Timbers defender Kamal Miller was also fined for failing to leave the field in a timely manner during his team's match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

Messi and Suárez remain eligible to play as Inter Miami continues its season with an upcoming league match against Houston Dynamo FC and the second leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup first-round matchup against Sporting Kansas City.

Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @leomessi