Wed Feb 26 01:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Messi and Suárez Fined by MLS After On-Field Incidents
**Miami, FL** – Inter Miami CF stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez have been fined by Major League Soccer for separate incidents of unsporting conduct during their season opener against New York City FC. The league did not disclose the amount of the fines.
Messi was cited for grabbing the back of NYCFC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy’s neck following the final whistle. While Ballouchy reacted by tensing his shoulders, he did not retaliate. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano downplayed the incident, stating that such on-field disagreements are common and should remain “on the pitch.”
Suárez received a fine for making contact with NYCFC player Birk Risa’s neck during a heated exchange near the end of the first half. The incident involved a verbal confrontation before a teammate intervened.
Despite the fines, both Messi and Suárez will remain eligible for Inter Miami’s upcoming matches, including a crucial Concacaf Champions Cup clash against Sporting Kansas City and a league game against the Houston Dynamo. The fines come after a strong start to the season, with Messi scoring a crucial goal in the first leg of the Champions Cup.
First Piper 