Lionel Messi fined for controversial gesture during Inter Miami match: video MLS used as evidence against Argentine number 10

On Tuesday, Inter Miami defeated Sporting Kansas City 3-1 in the second leg of the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup (4-1 on aggregate) with a nice goal from Lionel Messi and another from Luis Suárez . The Argentine star, who had scored the only goal in the first leg, opened the way to victory in Fort Lauderdale again with a lightning volley in the 19th minute. However, it was not all joy for the number 10 .

In the hours leading up to the rematch, MLS announced that Messi would be fined for his energetic protest at the end of last Saturday's match, Inter's league debut against New York City FC , which ended with a last-minute goal for the pink team's 2-2 draw but left as a final postcard Leo's anger with the referee for some controversial decisions.

On Wednesday, MLS shared the video that documented the sanction for Messi , who was cautioned on the field but will also have to pay a fine of an undisclosed amount , a common practice on the part of the disciplinary tribunal that governs major soccer in the United States.

According to the report, Leo did not respect the prohibition of touching the face, head or neck of an opponent, in this case a member of the rival coaching staff, with his hands .

Luis Suárez was also fined for breaking the same rule, but in his case it had to do with an argument with a player from the New York franchise, whom he clung to vehemently once the referee blew the final whistle.

These economic sanctions for both players, however, will allow them to be present at Inter Miami's next MLS match, on Sunday night as a visitor against Houston Dynamo . It will be the debut of Messi's team in this prime time of American sport, baptized since 2025 as Sunday Night Soccer, reserved for the big American football matches during the NFL season, the traditional Sunday Night Football .

Javier Mascherano's team is looking for its first win in the MLS after the draw in the first matchday against NY City FC at home.

After a 1-0 win in the first leg and a 1-0 home win thanks to Messi's volley, Inter sealed their qualification for the round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup with two goals in first-half stoppage time, scored by Argentine Tadeo Allende (minute 45+1) and 'Pistolero' Suárez (45+3).

American Guillermo 'Memo' Rodriguez discounted for Sporting KC with a long-range shot in the 63rd minute.

"We are very happy with the victory. We went out for them from the first minute and we were able to get on track to win in the first half, although in the second we lacked a bit more control," admitted Spanish defender Jordi Alba.

Mascherano's team will face Jamaican team Cavalier , champion of the Caribbean Cup, in the round of 16, with the first match in Florida in the first week of March.

In its second participation in the main Concacaf tournament, Inter wants to shake off the thorn of its elimination last year in the quarterfinals against Monterrey .

Inter Miami dominated the tie against Sporting both in the first leg, played in temperatures below -15 ºC, and on the mild Tuesday night at Chase Stadium.