Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer (MLS) after slapping Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during a heated 2-2 draw between the sides.
The 39-year-old Argentina international struck Sullivan around the back of the head late in Wednesday’s match after claiming the Union player had elbowed him following a challenge.
Sullivan reacted angrily, but the referee intervened before the confrontation could escalate further. MLS confirmed that Messi had been fined but did not disclose the amount.
Messi had scored Inter Miami’s second goal in the match at Subaru Park, marking his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi.
Messi was not the only Miami player punished following the bad-tempered encounter. Teammate Ian Fray was also fined after grabbing Sullivan by the neck during a separate confrontation in the penalty area.
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The match ended with two players sent off in stoppage time, with Miami’s Yannick Bright and Philadelphia’s Cavan Sullivan receiving red cards. Cavan Sullivan’s one-match suspension was later rescinded following a review.
The incident came as Messi returned to Inter Miami after travelling to Argentina for the funeral of his father, who was also his agent. Jorge Messi died aged 68 following a long illness.
Messi had paid tribute to his father following his death and hinted that he may be approaching the end of his playing career.
Inter Miami remain second in the MLS Eastern Conference, seven points behind leaders Nashville.
