Football fans were left stunned following Inter Miami ace Lionel Messi who was in the dock after playing a recent game. Major League Soccer (MLS) Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the 37-year-old Argentine forward for an incident that occurred at the conclusion of a heart-stopping 2-2 draw against New York City FC on February 22. Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, was sanctioned for violating the league’s rule against making gestures of raising hands to the face, head, or neck of an opponent. The altercation happened at the conclusion of the match.

Messi was seen approaching a member of the coaching staff at New York City FC and resting his hand on the back of their neck. While the details of the interaction are not known, the gesture was enough to draw the notice of the MLS officials. The league has been adamant about keeping physical altercations off the site, and this move by Messi was deemed to be a violation of their rules. Thus, he has been fined without an amount revealed. This is not the first time Messi has been involved in on-field controversies, but it is rare to see the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in such situations.

Known for his calm demeanor and focus on the game, Messi’s actions have sparked debates among fans and analysts. Some argue that the incident was blown out of proportion, while others believe that even a player of Messi’s stature must be held accountable for his actions. Adding to the drama, Messi’s teammate Luis Suarez was also fined for a similar incident during the same match. The Uruguayan striker, who joined Inter Miami alongside Messi, was caught pinching the back of New York City FC defender Birk Risa’s neck during halftime. Like Messi, Suarez was found to have violated the MLS policy, resulting in a fine.

The double fines have put Inter Miami in the limelight, and everyone is looking for the team’s discipline and conduct on the pitch. While Messi and Suarez are amongst the best players in the league, the way they conducted themselves in this game has overshadowed their game play. The 2-2 match was an interesting match to watch, but the post-match incidents are grabbing headlines.

The MLS has indicated that it will have no tolerance for any kind of physical misbehavior, irrespective of a player’s reputation or standing. This move is a powerful message to all players and clubs in the league. It is an emphasis on upholding professionalism and decorum, even when things get intense during competition.

For Messi, this is an uncharacteristic blemish on what is otherwise a great career. Since his transfer to Inter Miami in 2023, he has stormed the MLS and introduced unprecedented hype and publicity to the league. Even his presence has lifted the profile of the league, and fans have flocked from all over the world. But this new scandal serves as a reminder that even the stars cannot escape the law.

As for Inter Miami, the team will have to address these disciplinary issues so as not to encounter similar occurrences in the future. With Messi and Suarez as strikers, the team has high hopes for the current season. However, maintaining concentration and composure will be key if they are to realize their dreams.

The bans have triggered a wider debate on responsibility and sportsmanship in football. Although one’s passion does get the better of one sometimes during big matches, players must remember that they are role models. Messi and Suarez are heroes to millions of people, and their behavior on and off the field makes a big difference.

In the end, it is a lesson to them all. Messi and Suarez will likely move past this, but it teaches them that a small thing can have enormous consequences. As the MLS season goes on, everyone will be waiting to see how Inter Miami responds to this trial.

For the time being, all the followers can do is hope that there will be a return to focus on football. Football itself as a game is all about ability, dedication, and togetherness—not scandal. Messi and Suarez have the ability to create good headlines based on their abilities and that’s all that the followers want to read.