Major League Soccer (MLS) has fined Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez after their recent win against Sporting Kansas in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The fines pertain to an event from earlier this year during Inter Miami’s home debut against New York City Football Club.
The MLS Disciplinary Committee stated that both Messi and Suarez broke league rules on contacting opponents’ head, neck, or hands. This happened during a 22 draw with New York City FC when Messi was seen arguing with the opposing assistant coach and grabbing by the neck. During halftime, Suarez was also part of a similar clash with New York City defender Birk Risa.
Though the precise extent of the fines has not been made public, the financial penalties warn players and support the league’s field discipline. Notwithstanding the prohibitions, Messi and Suarez will feature in Inter Miami’s next MLS game versus Houston Dynamo on Sunday, March 2.
Goals from Tadeo Allende, Luis Suarez, and Lionel Messi secured Inter Miami’s victory against Sporting Kansas and highlighted the team’s strength. Messi’s goal was a standout moment defining his solid beginning to the year under coach Javier Mascherano. Inter Miami has stayed unbeaten in competitive games and exhibitions since Mascherano’s arrival.
The fines come as MLS enjoys a record-breaking season opener, with 46 goals scored across 15 games, the highest in the league’s history. Fans are excited to find out whether Messi and Suarez can maintain their excellent form despite the offfield controversy.
Inter Miami’s resilience and concentration will be tested in the next clash against Houston Dynamo. Keeping discipline will be paramount for the team’s success as the season advances. Fans as well as analysts will be closely monitoring the celebrity-packed team’s performance under and off the field.
