Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez Fined by MLS for Conduct at Inter Miami-NYCFC Game
Major League Soccer issued undisclosed fines to Inter Miami's Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez following the team's 2-2 draw with New York City FC last Saturday.
Following the match, Messi briefly grabbed the neck of New York coach Mehdi Ballouchy from behind. Suárez did the same thing to NYCFC defender Birk Risa as players from both teams were walking off the field at halftime.
Messsi and Suárez may have been channeling their frustration with how the match had been officiated.
Inter Miami defender Tomás Avilés received a straight red card in the 23rd minute for denying a goalscoring opportunity. It was a questionable call that could've gone either way.
New York City FC didn't take long to capitalize on the man advantage as Mitja Ilenic scored in the 26th minute to draw the team level.
Later in the first half, NYCFC defender Strahinja Tanasijević was perhaps fortune to escape a sending-off. The ref declined to issue a second yellow card for a clear foul on
Adrián Martínez put New York ahead in the 55th minute, only for Telasco Segovia to equalize in the 10th minute of second-half stoppage time.
Inter Miami hosts Sporting Kansas City on Tuesday in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup clash, and its next MLS match is Sunday against Houston Dynamo FC.
For Messi and Suárez, a fine from the league will be a drop in the bucket compared to their overall salaries. They earned $20.5 million and $1.5 million respectively last season.
