Former Barcelona stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez were fined for their action in Inter Miami's draw vs. NYCFC in their opening game of the 2025 MLS season.

Messi put his right hand on the back of Ballouchy’s neck and squeezed hard enough that it appeared to stun him.

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount for grabbing one of New York City FC's coaching staff on the neck after Saturday's MLS opener, the league said.

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer following a controversial exchange at the end of the match against New York City FC. Lionel Messi started the year in top form, scoring two goals and providing two assists in three matches for Inter Miami.

SportsLine's Brandt Sutton reveals his picks for the MLS matchup between Lionel Messi and Inter Miami vs. New York City FC on Saturday

Despite crashing out of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs against Atlanta United, Miami were by far the best team through the regular season. With 22 wins in 34 matches, they hit 74 points to set a new single-season MLS points record, all while missing Lionel Messi for over a third of the season.

Inter Miami CF players Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have been fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer for violating the "hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent" rule during the team's season-opening MLS match Saturday.