Messi fined for slapping opponent in MLS game

What the report says

Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer after a post-match clash with Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw on Wednesday, BBC Sport Football reported. The incident happened late in the game at Subaru Park, when Messi appeared to react to what he believed was an elbow from Sullivan after a challenge. Sullivan responded angrily, and the referee stepped in quickly.

The league confirmed that Messi was sanctioned, but did not disclose the amount of the fine. BBC Sport also reported that Miami defender Ian Fray was fined for a separate confrontation with Sullivan during the same match, in which the players became entangled after Sullivan lost his footing in the box. The game ended in a tense finish, with Miami’s Yannick Bright and Sullivan’s brother, Cavan Sullivan, both shown red cards in stoppage time. Cavan Sullivan’s one-match suspension was later overturned on review.

The result left Inter Miami second in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind leaders Nashville, according to the BBC report. Messi, who scored Miami’s second goal, had recently returned from Argentina following the funeral of his father, Jorge Messi, who also served as his agent. The article also noted that Messi had hinted in a tribute that he may not play for much longer.