"Messi Fined for Neck Grabbing Incident with Opposition Coach"

Major League Soccer has fined Lionel Messi after the Inter Miami captain “grabbed” a New York City FC coach by the neck.


The MLS Disciplinary Committee made this decision following an incident at the end of the 2-2 draw with New York City FC on February 22. 


The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was seen approaching a member of the opposition coaching staff and putting his hand on the back of their neck during a heated exchange.


MLS stated that their disciplinary committee ruled Messi had violated the league’s “Hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy.”


In the same match, Messi had just assisted a stoppage-time equaliser for team-mate Telasco Segovia. 


Additionally, team-mate Luis Suarez was also fined for a similar violation of the MLS policy, after pinching the back of opposing player Birk Risa's neck during half-time.