Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer (MLS) following a heated post-match altercation in a 2-2 draw against New York City FC. The Argentine legend was caught on camera grabbing an opposing assistant coach’s neck, an incident that quickly gained attention.

Tensions Boil Over

The highly competitive match saw both teams battling intensely, with emotions running high. After the final whistle, Messi confronted an NYCFC assistant, reportedly over a dispute involving late-match decisions and player conduct. The altercation led MLS to take disciplinary action, though no suspension was issued.

Mascherano Downplays the Incident

Inter Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, dismissed the controversy, suggesting the media exaggerated the situation.

“It was just a moment of frustration. There was no real aggression, and it was blown out of proportion.”

Messi’s Response and Moving Forward

Messi has yet to comment publicly on the fine but remains focused on helping Inter Miami push for a strong season. Despite the controversy, the World Cup winner continues to be the team’s driving force, delivering top performances week after week.