Lionel Messi MLS fine has been issued after the Inter Miami star was penalised for making contact with Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during Wednesday’s 2-2 draw.
Messi was penalized for a second-half stoppage-time altercation when he appeared to slap Sullivan on the back of the neck, although the amount of the fine is not known. The encounter occurred just hours after Messi netted his first goal since his father Jorge Messi passed away last year, and gave him an assist.
Inter Miami defender Ian Fray was also slapped with a fine for another incident in which Sullivan was involved. Philadelphia midfielder lost ground as he came into the area, and went into a tangle with Fray before he grabbed Sullivan around the neck. Sullivan got back to his feet and knocked the Miami defender to the ground.
It was met with more disciplinary drama when Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright and Cavan Sullivan of Philadelphia were sent off after a confrontation away from the ball in the dying moments.
But the MLS later announced that Cavan Sullivan’s red card and subsequent one-match suspension was overturned. After examining the situation, the independent review panel of the league unanimously decided to overturn the sanction.
The reminder to players of MLS rules about how to treat each other and handle contact in the head and neck region, especially during altercations, is a reminder of Fray and Messi.
The fine is after an impactful display in which Messi combined to build the final, with a personal goal in a heartfelt moment for Inter Miami captain Messi. Even though there was a bit of a stir over the draw late in the day, Miami still managed to pick up a point.
Minnesota United defender Anthony Markanich also got into trouble for embellishment, being fined in the 2-1 loss to Atlanta United.
