Messi fined for slapping opponent during MLS match
MLS has fined Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi for slapping Philadelphia Union's Quinn Sullivan during a 2-2 draw. The amount of the fine was not disclosed.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer following an on-field altercation during Wednesday's 2-2 draw against Philadelphia Union.
Near the end of the match, the 39-year-old Messi slapped Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan on the back of the head, apparently in response to what he felt was an elbow from Sullivan after Messi had played the ball away. Sullivan reacted angrily, but the referee stepped in quickly to defuse the situation.
MLS confirmed that Messi received a fine over the incident, though the league did not disclose the amount.
Goal scored despite the clash
Despite the altercation, Messi found the net for Miami's second goal of the match at Subaru Park — his first goal since the death of his father.
Messi was not the only Miami player disciplined for clashing with Sullivan. Defender Ian Fray was also fined after grabbing Sullivan by the neck during a separate incident in the penalty box, when the two players became tangled and Sullivan lost his footing.
The contentious match ended with two red cards issued in stoppage time, sending off Miami's Yannick Bright and Sullivan's brother, Cavan. However, Cavan's resulting one-game suspension has since been overturned following a review.
