Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer following his involvement in a confrontation with Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during Thursday’s 2-2 draw.
The league did not disclose the amount of Messi’s fine. The Argentina forward was punished after placing his hand on Sullivan’s head and neck during a confrontation late in the match.
MLS also fined Inter Miami defender Ian Fray for his involvement in the incident. Both players were found to have breached the league’s rules regarding contact with an opponent’s face, head or neck.
Sullivan had earlier been involved in a separate confrontation with Fray. The Philadelphia midfielder fell while attempting to dribble inside the penalty area before Fray grabbed him around the neck. Sullivan later confronted Fray after getting back to his feet.
The dispute continued into stoppage time when Fray and Cavan Sullivan, Quinn’s younger brother, were involved in another incident away from the ball. Both players were shown red cards.
Cavan Sullivan’s dismissal was subsequently overturned after an Independent Review Panel unanimously ruled to rescind his one-match suspension. Fray, meanwhile, was fined for his involvement in the earlier incident.
The match also marked an important moment for Messi. He scored his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, earlier this month. He also set up Inter Miami’s other goal as they took a 2-1 lead, but Philadelphia fought back to earn a 2-2 draw.
