Inter Miami captain, Lionel Messi, and teammate Ian Fray have been fined by Major League Soccer (MLS) following separate confrontations with Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during Wednesday’s 2-2 draw at Subaru Park.
Messi, 39, slapped Sullivan on the back of the head late in the match after accusing the Philadelphia player of elbowing him following a pass. Sullivan reacted angrily, but the referee intervened quickly to prevent the confrontation from escalating. MLS confirmed the fines but did not disclose the amount of either punishment.
Fray also landed in trouble after grabbing Sullivan by the neck during a separate incident in the penalty area. The pair became entangled after Sullivan lost his footing.
Tensions rose further in stoppage time as Inter Miami’s Yannick Bright and Sullivan’s brother, Cavan, received red cards. MLS later rescinded Cavan Sullivan’s one-match suspension after reviewing the incident.
Newsextra24 reports that Messi had earlier scored Inter Miami’s second goal, his first since returning from Argentina following the death of his father and agent, Jorge Messi, who died at the age of 68 after a long illness.
The Argentina international suggested in a tribute to his father that he may not continue playing for much longer.
Messi’s goal at Subaru Park helped Inter Miami to continue their push for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, where they sit second, seven points behind leaders Nashville.
