Lionel Messi was involved in two heated confrontations following Inter Miami's 2-2 draw with New York City FC on Saturday night, including grabbing an opposing coach by the neck.
The Argentine star first engaged in an angry exchange with referee Rosendo Mendoza, which resulted in a yellow card.
The situation escalated further when Messi then had a physical altercation with NYCFC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy, putting his hand on the coach's neck for several seconds after what appeared to be a verbal exchange.
Messi played a crucial role in salvaging a point for Inter Miami in their MLS opener, setting up Telasco Segovia's equaliser in the 10th minute of second-half stoppage time.
Lionel Messi was involved in two heated confrontations following Inter Miami's 2-2 draw with New York City FC on Saturday night, including grabbing an opposing coach by the neck
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The match had started brightly for Miami, with Tomas Aviles scoring in the fifth minute from another Messi assist.
However, Aviles was later sent off by referee Mendoza in the 23rd minute for a last-ditch tackle on Alonso Martínez.
New York City's Mitja Ilenic levelled the match in the 26th minute.
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🚨 Lionel Messi ended up furious with the referee after the controversial Inter Miami vs. New York match, which ended 2-2.
— MARCA in English 🇺🇸 (@MARCAinENGLISH) February 23, 2025
The Herons had to play over an hour with one player less.#MLS #Messi pic.twitter.com/wSGhtrZuuA
Martinez then capitalised on a Miami giveaway in the second half to give the visitors the lead, before Miami's late equaliser.
Messi's frustration boiled over after the final whistle as he confronted referee Rosendo Mendoza on the pitch.
The Inter Miami star aggressively pointed at the official whilst berating him, despite Mendoza's gestures for him to walk away.
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Messi's continued protests resulted in the referee showing him a yellow card.
Even after receiving the booking, the Argentine briefly persisted with his arguments before finally beginning to leave the field.
The exact cause of Messi's anger towards the referee remains unclear, though Mendoza had earlier sent off his team-mate Aviles.
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As Messi made his way off the pitch, NYCFC assistant Mehdi Ballouchy appeared to make a comment that sparked a heated exchange.
The Miami star covered his mouth whilst responding to Ballouchy, with two Miami assistants stepping in to separate the pair.
Just as the situation appeared to be diffusing, Messi suddenly returned and placed his hand on Ballouchy's neck for several seconds.
Lionel Messi was caught on camera raging at the referee as Inter Miami drew with New York City in their MLS opener
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The former MLS player from Morocco looked visibly stunned by the incident.
Messi finally walked away from the confrontation, gesturing for Ballouchy to follow him off the pitch.
Inter Miami now face a quick turnaround as they prepare for their next fixture.
The team will play the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup first round match against Sporting KC on Tuesday. Miami currently hold a 1-0 advantage in that tie.
