MLS Announces Punishment For Lionel Messi

Messi could have faced punishment for multiple incidents amid the chaos — one where he verbally berated the referee, and one where he touched NYCFC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy on the back of the neck.

Ultimately, the MLS Discipline Committee announced its decision to fine the Inter Miami captain an undisclosed amount for "violating the hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy."

The rule in question is written as follows: "individuals witnessed to have contacted the face, head, and/or neck of an opponent, which incites or escalates an individual incident (as determined by the Disciplinary Committee) will receive a minimum of a fine.”

Inter Miami striker Luis Suarez was also fined an undisclosed amount on Tuesday for breaking the same rule, the only difference being it involved an NYCFC player at halftime.

The amount of the fine was not disclosed, but it would have to be extreme to trouble the pockets of the Argentinian superstar. His $20.4 million guaranteed base salary — which jumps over $50 million of total compensation including his cut of the league's deal with Apple TV — is more than the total payroll of 22 other MLS franchises.

It was the first time Messi has been disciplined by MLS since he joined Inter Miami in July 2023, showing that even the face of the league is not above the ruling of the discipline committee.