In a recent decision, Major League Soccer (MLS) has levied fines against Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, both prominent players for Inter Miami, due to unsportsmanlike conduct during a match against New York City FC on Saturday, February 22, at Chase Stadium. Messi was seen grabbing a member of the New York team's coaching staff by the neck after the final whistle, while Suárez similarly clashed with defender Birk Risa during halftime.
The league determined that the players violated the rule prohibiting "hands to the face, head, or neck" of an opponent. Although the exact amounts of the fines remain undisclosed, this action by the MLS Disciplinary Committee underscores their commitment to maintaining sportsmanship on the field.
Incidents Involving Messi and Suárez
The match's intensity escalated in its final moments as Messi, visibly frustrated with the outcome, approached the referee to protest, earning a yellow card. Shortly thereafter, he was involved in a heated exchange with a member of the New York City FC staff, leading to the neck-grabbing incident.
Similarly, Luis Suárez found himself in a comparable situation just before the second half began. During the break, the Uruguayan striker engaged in a confrontation with Birk Risa, grabbing the defender by the neck during a dispute. The MLS penalized this behavior under the same disciplinary guidelines.
Javier Mascherano's Response
Inter Miami's coach, Javier Mascherano, downplayed the altercations, defending his players by noting that such situations are commonplace in soccer. "It's challenging to manage emotions. The media sometimes aims to create a spectacle out of it. These things happen in every match, whether talking to the referee or opposing players," the Argentine coach remarked. "As we say in Argentina, what happens on the field stays on the field," he added.
A Contentious Match Ends in a Draw
The game between Inter Miami and New York City FC was a fiercely contested affair that concluded in a 2-2 draw. The Florida team took an early lead when Argentine Tomás Avilés scored in the 5th minute. However, Avilés' red card in the 23rd minute significantly impacted Miami's performance for the remainder of the match.
Mitja Ilenic and Costa Rican Alonso Martínez netted goals for the New York side, reversing the scoreline. Yet, in a dramatic turn of events, Venezuelan Telasco Segovia equalized in the 100th minute following an assist from Messi, allowing Inter Miami to salvage a point at home.
Despite the MLS fines, neither Messi nor Suárez will face suspension, leaving them available for Inter Miami's next match. The team is set to face the Houston Dynamo on Sunday, March 2, where they will aim for their first victory of the 2025 season.
Understanding the MLS Disciplinary Actions
What specific rule did Messi and Suárez violate?
They violated the MLS rule that prohibits "hands to the face, head, or neck" of an opponent.
Will Messi and Suárez be suspended following these incidents?
No, neither player will face suspension and will be available for Inter Miami's next match.
What was the outcome of the match between Inter Miami and New York City FC?
The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Telasco Segovia scoring a last-minute equalizer for Inter Miami.