Footballer Lionel Messi fined for “grabbing” opposition coach’s neck (Video)

Major League Soccer has fined Lionel Messi after the Inter Miami captain “grabbed” a New York City FC coach by the neck.

The MLS Disciplinary Committee took the decision to fine Inter Miami forward Messi, 37, following an incident at the end of the 2-2 draw with New York City FC on 22 February.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was seen approaching a member of the opposition coaching staff and putting his hand on the back of their neck during the arguments.

MLS said in a statement that their disciplinary committee had ruled that he had violated the league’s “Hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy”.

Messi had just set up a stoppage-time equaliser for team-mate Telasco Segovia in the 2-2 draw at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium in the season opener.

Team-mate Luis Suarez has also been fined for violating the same MLS policy, after he pinched the back of opposing player Birk Risa’s neck in an incident at half-time.

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