Lionel Messi Fined by MLS for Slapping Philadelphia Union's Quinn Sullivan
Inter Miami's Lionel Messi and Ian Fray fined following a heated 2-2 draw with the Philadelphia Union.
Quick Look
- Inter Miami's Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer for slapping Philadelphia Union's Quinn Sullivan during a heated 2-2 draw.
- Teammate Ian Fray was also fined, while two red cards were issued.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union played to a 2-2 draw on Wednesday in a match featuring multiple disciplinary actions.
Inter Miami's Lionel Messi has been fined for slapping Philadelphia Union's Quinn Sullivan during their side's Major League Soccer (MLS) 2-2 draw on Wednesday.
Messi, 39, slapped Sullivan around the back of the head towards the end of the game as he complained the Union player had elbowed him after he played the ball.
Sullivan reacted angerily to the slap, but the referee quickly intervened.
The MLS confirmed Messi had been fined, but did not reveal the amount.
Messi scored Miami's second goal at Subaru Park, finding the back of the net for the first time since his father passed away.
The Argentina international was not the only one to clash with Sullivan, as Miami's Ian Fray was also fined by the MLS.
Fray grabbed the neck of Sullivan after both players got tangled up with one another when Sullivan lost his footing in the box.
A bad-tempered game ended with two red cards as Miami's Yannick Bright and Sullivan's brother Cavan were both sent off in stoppage time.
Cavan's one-game suspension, however, has now been rescinded after review.
Open Questions
- What was the exact financial amount of the fines?
