Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Hit With Sanctions and Fine by CONCACAF Disciplinary Committee for Ugly Altercation With Monterrey

The CONCACAF Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned Lionel Messi‘s club Inter Miami for incidents that occurred during the first leg of the Champions Cup quarter-final against Monterrey, CONCACAF said in a statement. During the game that took place on April 03, Miami players, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba openly condemned the refereeing after the official red-carded David Ruiz in the second half. Besides, Leo Messi verbally confronted Monterrey’s coach Fernando Ortiz post-game for saying the competition was rigged for the Argentine.

Monterrey reportedly filed a complaint against Inter Miami to CONCACAF in response to the altercation. Now, after gathering reports from both clubs and the match officials, the CONCACAF Disciplinary Committee has fined Miami an ‘undisclosed amount’ for lack of security in their stadium, the federation added in the statement. Moreover, the North American federation has also warned the Lionel Messi-led side of severe actions, should similar incidents transpire again at the Chase Stadium.

Meanwhile, the Monterrey entourage might have received a clean chit, despite adding fuel to the fiasco. As per a leaked locker-room conversation, Monterrey’s assistant coach Nico Sanchez called Lionel Messi a dwarf. He also dissed Inter Miami’s head coach Gerardo Tata Martino. Besides, Monterrey coach Ortiz said, “Everything that surrounds Messi can generate sporting and non-sporting decisions. Was I clear?” on the Futbol Prohibido podcast before the game. Anyhow, CONCACAF has yet to take an action against the Monterrey entourage. Besides the fine for lack of security, the Concacaf Disciplinary Committee has also fined Inter Miami for breaching the federation’s travel regulations.

The Messi-led Inter Miami receives a second fine for traveling late

As per CONCACAF regulations, clubs must travel to away matches at least 48 hours before kick-off. Inter Miami has failed to do so, as their entourage reached late to Monterrey’s home in Mexico to partake in tonight’s clash. The North American federation has yet to disclose the amount of the fine, similar to the other penalty. This marks the second time the Miami-based outfit gets hit with a fine. Earlier in 2021, the MLS hit the club with a record- $2 million for violating the league’s salary budget and roster regulations.

READ MORE: Monterrey Boss Opens Up on Alleged Confrontation With Lionel Messi Over Referee Bias Comments After Inter Miami’s Loss

With CONCACAF’s charge and the previous altercation against in their head, Messi and Co. head for a fierce winner-takes-all away clash on the road. Some say an angered Messi will destroy Monterrey. But let’s not forget that the Argentine’s team has to overcome a 2-1 deficit. If they overcome, the South Florida side will progress to the competition’s semi-final in their first appearance.

READ MORE: Lionel Messi’s Olympics Ambitions Dashed Out: Inter Miami Star Not to Be a Part of Argentina’s Squad Despite Earlier Interest