Lionel Messi, usually the picture of composure, found himself at the center of controversy during Inter Miami’s fiery season opener against New York City FC on February 22, 2025.
Following a tense 2-2 draw, emotions boiled over, culminating in Messi grabbing the neck of NYCFC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy in a post-match altercation. The incident prompted Major League Soccer’s Disciplinary Committee to fine the Argentine star for breaching the league’s conduct policy regarding physical confrontations.
A Tense Night in Miami
The match itself was a battle, with Messi visibly frustrated by several officiating decisions. His irritation earned him a yellow card for dissent, but the real drama unfolded after the final whistle. During the confrontation with Ballouchy, Messi was seen placing his hand on the back of the coach’s neck twice before teammates intervened and diffused the situation.
Adding to the drama, Messi’s longtime friend and teammate, Luis Suárez, also landed in hot water for his own moment of aggression. During halftime, Suárez pinched NYCFC defender Birk Risa’s neck, an action that also resulted in a fine from the league. The disciplinary actions against both players highlight MLS’s firm stance on maintaining sportsmanship and fair play.
Inter Miami’s Response
Head coach Javier Mascherano downplayed the altercations, insisting they were merely the result of high emotions in a competitive match. “These things happen in football,” he commented, brushing off the controversy. Meanwhile, despite the fines and scrutiny, Messi’s impact on the pitch remained undeniable, as he played a crucial role in both of Inter Miami’s goals.
Messi Under the Spotlight
This latest incident adds to a growing list of Messi-related headlines in MLS. Just recently, referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava was suspended for six months after requesting Messi’s autograph during a match, raising concerns about impartiality in the league.
With Inter Miami set to face Houston Dynamo on March 3, all eyes will be on Messi—not just for his magic on the ball, but to see how he handles the intensified scrutiny in the wake of yet another controversial moment in his storied career.
