Lionel Messi Fined By MLS After Slapping Philadelphia Union’s Quinn Sullivan During Heated Draw

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer following an incident in which he slapped Philadelphia Union’s Quinn Sullivan during a 2-2 draw on Wednesday.

The 39-year-old struck Sullivan around the back of the head late in the game, reacting to what he felt was an elbow from the Union player after he had played the ball.

Sullivan responded angrily to the slap, though the referee stepped in quickly to prevent the situation from escalating further between the two players.

MLS confirmed the fine against Messi but chose not to disclose the financial amount handed down as punishment for the incident.

Messi was not alone in his clash with Sullivan, as Miami’s Ian Fray was also fined by the league following a separate altercation with the same player.

Fray grabbed Sullivan by the neck after both players became entangled with one another following Sullivan losing his footing inside the box.

The bad-tempered match at Subaru Park ended dramatically, with Miami’s Yannick Bright and Sullivan’s brother Cavan both receiving red cards in stoppage time.

Cavan Sullivan’s one-game suspension has since been rescinded following a review of the incident by league officials.

Despite the drama, Messi did contribute positively on the pitch, scoring Miami’s second goal — his first since the passing of his father.

Messi had been in Argentina for the funeral of his father, Jorge Messi, who was also his longtime agent and died aged 68 following a long illness.

In the wake of his father’s death, Messi indicated in a tribute that he may not continue playing football for much longer, casting doubt over his future in the sport.

Miami currently sit second in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind conference leaders Nashville, as the club push on in the MLS season.

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