Messi Fined By MLS For Slapping Philadelphia’s Sullivan

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer (MLS) for slapping Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during their 2-2 draw on Wednesday.

Messi, 39, struck Sullivan on the back of the head towards the end of the bad-tempered encounter after claiming the Union player had elbowed him following a challenge.

Sullivan reacted angrily to the incident, but the referee quickly stepped in to prevent the confrontation from escalating.

MLS confirmed that Messi had been fined but did not disclose the amount.

The Argentina international had earlier scored Miami’s second goal at Subaru Park, marking his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi.

Messi was not the only Inter Miami player punished following the heated encounter. Teammate Ian Fray was also fined after grabbing Sullivan by the neck when the two players became entangled following a fall in the penalty area.

The match ended in further controversy, with Miami’s Yannick Bright and Philadelphia’s Cavan Sullivan, Quinn’s younger brother, both shown red cards in stoppage time.

However, Cavan Sullivan’s one-match suspension has since been rescinded following a review of the incident.