Lionel Messi was fined by MLS after making contact with Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during a tense stoppage-time confrontation.
MIAMI: Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer after becoming involved in a heated late-game confrontation with Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw with Philadelphia.
The MLS Disciplinary Committee announced the punishment Friday, saying Messi violated the league’s policy prohibiting players from putting their hands to an opponent’s face, head or neck. The amount of the fine was not disclosed.
Inter Miami teammate Ian Fray was also fined an undisclosed amount for the same violation.
The incident occurred deep into stoppage time Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Subaru Park. With play taking place elsewhere, Messi approached Sullivan near the center circle following an exchange between the players.
Messi then made contact with Sullivan around the head and neck area. Sullivan confronted the Argentine star, leading to a tense face-to-face exchange before officials intervened.
Referee Filip Dujic initially did not see the incident because his back was turned. He arrived shortly afterward to separate the players but did not issue cards to either Messi or Sullivan.
The match descended into further chaos in stoppage time when Sullivan became involved in another altercation with Fray. Philadelphia’s Cavan Sullivan and Miami midfielder Yannick Bright were also involved in the ensuing scuffle.
Cavan Sullivan and Bright were sent off. Cavan Sullivan’s red-card suspension was later overturned on appeal, making him available for Philadelphia’s next match.
Despite the controversy, Messi played a decisive role in the match. He provided an assist before scoring Inter Miami’s second goal in the 26th minute, curling a left-footed effort into the corner.
The goal was particularly emotional for the 39-year-old Argentine, as it was his first since returning to action following the death of his father, Jorge Messi.
Philadelphia eventually fought back to earn a 2-2 draw, with Neil Pierre scoring in the second half to level the contest.
The MLS fine does not carry a suspension, leaving Messi available for Inter Miami as the regular season intensifies.
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