Lionel Messi fined after slap in Inter Miami’s 2-2 MLS draw

Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer for slapping Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw on Wednesday. MLS confirmed the punishment but did not disclose the amount of the fine.

The incident occurred late in the match after Messi complained that Sullivan had elbowed him immediately after he played the ball. The Inter Miami captain then struck Sullivan on the back of the head. Sullivan reacted angrily before the referee stepped in to separate the players.

Messi was not the only Miami player punished after the late confrontations. Ian Fray was also fined for grabbing Sullivan by the neck during a separate incident. Sullivan had lost his footing in the penalty area before becoming involved in the exchange with Fray.

The match ended with two players being sent off in stoppage time. Miami’s Yannick Bright and Philadelphia’s Cavan Sullivan, Quinn’s brother, received red cards. Cavan Sullivan’s one-match suspension was later cancelled after an independent review of the dismissal.

Messi still made a major contribution on the pitch. He scored Inter Miami’s second goal and provided an assist, with the goal his first since the death of his father, Jorge Messi. Jorge, who was also Messi’s agent, died aged 68 after a long illness. Messi had returned to Miami after travelling to Argentina for the funeral and has suggested that he may not continue playing for much longer.

The draw left Inter Miami second in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind leaders Nashville. The result extended a difficult night for the club beyond the scoreline, with the league sanctions following the late incidents involving Messi and Fray.