MLS fines Lionel Messi: details of penalty after On-Pitch incident

Inter Miami remain in the race for the CONCACAF Champions Cup after defeating Sporting Kansas City, with Lionel Messi once again making the difference with a stunning goal. However, the joy for Javier Mascherano’s side was overshadowed by a sanction from MLS, directly affecting both the Argentine and Luis Suarez.

Just hours before the match, the league confirmed that both players would receive a financial penalty for their actions during the MLS 2025 season opener. The incident took place in Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw against New York City FC, where Messi and Suarez clashed with their opponents both at halftime and after the final whistle, prompting intervention from the Disciplinary Committee.

Why have Messi and Suarez been punished?

According to the official statement, both players breached MLS regulations regarding contact with an opponent’s face, head, or neck. Footage from the match showed Messi grabbing a New York City FC assistant coach by the neck, while Suarez was involved in a similar altercation with defender Birk Risa during the halftime break.

The punishment will be a financial fine only, meaning both will be available for the upcoming match against Houston Dynamo in the second round of the league season. So far, the league has not disclosed the exact amount of the fines, but it is confirmed that the two stars will have to pay for their actions in the opening fixture.

A controversial start to the MLS season

The 2025 MLS season kicked off with a record 46 goals across 15 matches, making it the most goal-laden opening round in the competition’s history. Amidst the attacking spectacle, Messi and Suarez’s situation has become one of the most talked-about topics.

Inter Miami, aiming to establish themselves as serious contenders both domestically and internationally, must now shift their focus to their upcoming clash with Houston Dynamo, where they will have their two key players available despite the sanctions. Meanwhile, fans of the Herons will be hoping that this controversy does not affect their performances as they look to compete for silverware in 2025.