Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer (MLS) for slapping Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during their 2-2 draw on Wednesday.
MLS said Messi violated the league’s policy on the use of hands against an opponent’s face, head or neck. The amount of the fine was not disclosed.
Inter Miami defender Ian Fray was also fined for the same offence.
Messi reportedly approached Sullivan near the centre circle while play continued elsewhere on the pitch before swiping at the Philadelphia player. Sullivan responded by confronting the Argentine in a heated exchange.
Referee Filip Dujic intervened and separated the players but did not issue any cards.
However, Dujic later sent off Sullivan’s younger brother and teammate, Cavan Sullivan, and Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright following a separate confrontation inside Miami’s penalty area during stoppage time.
