By Paul Joseph
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer (MLS) for slapping Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during a fiery 2-2 draw.
The 39-year-old Argentina international struck Sullivan on the back of the head late in Wednesday’s encounter after alleging that the Union midfielder had elbowed him following a challenge.
Sullivan reacted angrily to the incident, but the referee quickly intervened to prevent the confrontation from escalating. MLS confirmed Messi’s punishment but did not disclose the amount of the fine.
Messi had earlier scored Inter 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 bad-tempered encounter. Teammate Ian Fray was also fined after grabbing Sullivan by the neck during a separate confrontation in the penalty area.
The match ended with two players sent off in stoppage time, as Miami’s Yannick Bright and Philadelphia’s Cavan Sullivan received red cards. Cavan Sullivan’s one-match suspension was later rescinded after a review.
The incident came shortly after Messi returned to Inter Miami from Argentina, where he had travelled for the funeral of his father and longtime agent. Jorge Messi died aged 68 following a long illness.
Messi has paid tribute to his father following his death and hinted that he could be approaching the final stage of his playing career.
Inter Miami remain second in the MLS Eastern Conference, seven points behind leaders Nashville.
Leave a Reply