MLS Fines Messi, Suarez for Conduct Against NYCFC

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez of Inter Miami have been fined by Major League Soccer for violating the league's 'hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent' policy during a recent match against New York City FC. Messi was penalized for an incident involving NYCFC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy after the game, where he briefly grabbed Ballouchy's neck following a verbal exchange with the referee. Suarez received a fine for a similar action during halftime, where he touched the neck of NYCFC defender Birk Risa amidst a dispute over a foul. Both incidents occurred during a heated 2-2 draw at Chase Stadium, marking Messi's first disciplinary fine since joining MLS in July 2023. The MLS has stated that such actions can escalate confrontations, prompting the fines. Inter Miami will next face Sporting Kansas City in the Concacaf Champions Cup.