VIDEO: Furious Messi grabs opposition coach by the neck & argues with referee after Inter Miami’s dramatic draw in 2025 MLS season opener

The Herons opened their 2025 campaign on home soil against rivals from the Big Apple. They took the lead inside five minutes, but were reduced to 10 men midway through the first half when Tomas Aviles was shown a red card.

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Messi’s second assist of the game was required in the 100th minute to snatch a point from a 2-2 draw. While the Argentine superstar was able to ensure that his side were not left completely empty-handed, he was still fuming at the final whistle.

Cameras caught Messi involved in a heated exchange with match official Rosendo Mendoza, leading to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner being shown a yellow card. The 37-year-old forward was not done there, as he ran into NYCFC coaches when making his way off the field.

Another exchange saw Messi take issue with Nehdi Ballouchy, New York’s former MLS star assistant. It appeared at one stage as though Messi had made his point and was prepared to walk away, but he then put his hands on Ballouchy’s neck for several seconds – generating a bemused look from the coach in question, who was invited to join Inter Miami’s captain in heading down the tunnel.

The incident proves that Messi has lost none of his passion for the game, with anything but victory leaving him frustrated. Inter Miami will be hoping that their skipper has calmed down slightly by the time that they face Sporting KC in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup clash on Tuesday.