Inter Miami CF players Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez 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 against New York City FC on Saturday.
Following the final whistle, Messi made contact with NYCFC assistant Medhi Ballouchy by grabbing the back of his neck. The assistant coach clenched his shoulders, but did not retaliate against the player before Messi exited the field and headed to the locker room.
When asked about the discussion between Messi and Ballouchy, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano referred to the situation as matters of the pitch.