Quinn Sullivan and Lionel Messi clashed repeatedly in their side’s game on Wednesday
Major League Soccer (MLS) has fined Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi alongside teammate Ian Fray for their involvement in a chaotic, heated sequence. The penalties stem from physical altercations late in second-half stoppage time during a tense 2-2 draw against the Philadelphia Union.
Messi, 39, slapped Sullivan around the back of the head towards the end of the game as he complained the Union player had elbowed him after he played the ball.
Sullivan reacted angrily to the slap, but the referee quickly intervened.
The MLS confirmed Messi had been fined, but did not reveal the amount.
Messi scored Miami’s second goal at Subaru Park, finding the back of the net for the first time since his father passed away.
The Argentina international was not the only one to clash with Sullivan, as Miami’s Ian Fray was also fined by the MLS.
Fray grabbed the neck of Sullivan after both players got tangled up with one another when Sullivan lost his footing in the box.
A bad-tempered game ended with two red cards as Miami’s Yannick Bright and Sullivan’s brother Cavan were both sent off in stoppage time.
Cavan’s one-game suspension, however, has now been rescinded after review.
Miami are currently second in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind leaders Nashville.
Messi is back in Miami having been in Argentina for the funeral of his father, who was also his agent.
Jorge Messi died aged 68 following a long illness, and in a tribute to his father, Messi suggested he may not continue playing football for much longer.
