Messi confronts referee, grabs coach after MLS draw

Lionel Messi was involved in two heated confrontations following Inter Miami's 2-2 draw against New York City FC, including an altercation with the referee and grabbing an opposing coach by the neck. After the match, Messi confronted referee Rosendo Mendoza, expressing frustration over several contentious calls, which resulted in him receiving a yellow card. The situation escalated when NYCFC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy engaged Messi, leading to Messi putting his hand on Ballouchy's neck for several seconds. Despite the conflict, Messi played a pivotal role in the match by assisting both goals for Inter Miami, including the equalizer in stoppage time. The draw was particularly disappointing for Miami, as they played with ten men after Tomas Aviles was sent off in the first half. Messi's emotional outbursts highlighted the high tensions surrounding the match and the expectations for the season ahead.