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Major League Soccer (MLS) has fined Argentine forward Lionel Messi of Inter Miami for inappropriate behavior toward New York City's assistant coach, Moroccan Mehdi Ballouchy, following their match last Sunday. The league has not disclosed the amount of the fine.
The incident, captured on video, shows Messi approaching Ballouchy and placing his hand on his neck before heading to the locker room. This behavior violated league rules, which prohibit placing «hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent».
According to footage, Messi appeared frustrated after the MLS season opener, during which he criticized referee Rosendo Mendoza. As the referee backed off due to Messi's outburst, Messi motioned for him to step aside but continued advancing, prompting a yellow card. Despite the warning, Messi continued to protest as he left the field.
As Messi was leaving, Ballouchy, New York City's assistant coach, appeared to approach him, likely to speak. During their conversation, Messi covered his mouth with his hand before unexpectedly placing his hand on Ballouchy's neck.
Notably, Ballouchy, born in Casablanca in 1983, began his football career at the Raja Club Athletic Academy before moving to MLS, where he played for various clubs over ten years, making 217 appearances. Despite representing Morocco at various youth levels, he was never called up to the senior national team. In January 2020, Ballouchy became an assistant coach for New York City's first team after joining the club’s academy in 2017.
