Harsh sanction? Lionel Messi sentenced for grabbing an opponent by the neck and inviting him to fight

In the last hours of Wednesday it was learned that Major League Soccer (MLS) increased the sanction against Lionel Messi for grabbing an opponent by the neck and also inviting him to fight after Inter Miami's 2-2 draw against New York City.

On the other hand, the Uruguayan Luis Suárez, who wears the number 9 for the pink team , received the same penalty for a similar infraction that occurred in last Saturday's match.

Lionel Messi

Inter Miami

The Argentine media outlet TN released the official statement from the American soccer entity: “The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi an undisclosed amount for violating the League's policy regarding hands towards the face/head/neck of an opponent at the end of Inter Miami's match against New York City FC on February 22.”

The tournament organizers have informed that Messi will not face a sporting sanction for this situation , since he was not identified by the refereeing committee as the perpetrator of a serious offense. However, the captain from Rosario was warned with a fine because the MLS prohibits a member of a team from violating the face, head or neck of an opponent or a referee.

Let's remember that after this match, Messi himself approached the referee and insulted him , for which he was cautioned. Once he was shown the yellow card, the Ten crossed paths with an assistant from the visiting team and said something in his ear, then grabbed him by the neck and pointed him towards the locker room area as if inviting him to fight.

Inter Miami beat Sporting Kansas City 3-1 at Chase Stadium and qualified for the round of 16 of the 2025 Concachampions , thanks to a great performance by Lionel Messi, who scored a real goal.

After winning the first leg 1-0 with a goal from the Argentine in a match that was played in temperatures of 15° below zero, it was Messi himself who opened the scoring in the 19th minute of the first half with a spectacular goal. Tadeo Allende and Luis Suárez extended the lead, while Memo Rodríguez scored the discount for the visitors.

After this victory, Javier Mascherano's team will next face the Cavalier Soccer Club of Jamaica .