Major League Soccer (MLS) has imposed a fine on Argentina’s Lionel Messi, captain of Inter Miami, after he slapped Philadelphia Union player Quinn Sullivan during the teams’ thrilling 2-2 draw on Wednesday.
The league confirmed the penalty without disclosing the financial amount, after footage showed Messi striking Sullivan on the back of the head near the end of the match. The incident occurred after Messi was hit with an elbow following a pass, prompting the referee to step in and calm down the angered Philadelphia player.
The match saw the 39-year-old star score Inter Miami’s second goal at Subaru Park—his first since the passing of his father and agent, Jorge Messi, who died at the age of 68 after a long illness.
Messi was not the only Miami player to receive a financial penalty; the league also fined his teammate Ian Fray after he grabbed Quinn Sullivan by the neck following a clash inside the penalty box, reflecting the heated atmosphere that dominated the match.
The tension spilled over into stoppage time, with the referee showing red cards to Inter Miami’s Yannick Bright and Cavan Sullivan—Quinn’s brother. However, the league later rescinded Cavan’s one-match suspension following a review of the incident.
Inter Miami currently sits second in the Eastern Conference, 7 points behind leaders Nashville. Messi returned to the United States after attending his father’s funeral in Argentina, having hinted in his farewell message that his playing career might not continue for much longer.
