- Messi was fined by MLS after a clash with Quinn Sullivan
- Ian Fray was also punished for a separate incident
- Messi scored as Inter Miami drew 2-2 with Philadelphia Union
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi and teammate Ian Fray have been fined by Major League Soccer following separate incidents involving Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during Wednesday’s 2-2 draw at Subaru Park.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that MLS confirmed the disciplinary action but did not reveal the financial penalties imposed on either Inter Miami player.
Messi was involved in a late-game confrontation with Sullivan after the Argentine claimed the Philadelphia midfielder had elbowed him following a pass. Messi then struck Sullivan on the back of the head, prompting an angry response before the referee stepped in to calm the situation.
Fray was also penalised after grabbing Sullivan around the neck during a separate incident inside the penalty area. The two players became involved after Sullivan went to ground.
The match ended with further disciplinary drama during stoppage time, when Inter Miami’s Yannick Bright and Philadelphia’s Cavan Sullivan were both shown red cards. However, MLS later overturned Cavan Sullivan’s one-match suspension following a review of the incident.
Messi had earlier scored Inter Miami’s second goal of the game, marking his first goal since returning from Argentina following the death of his father and longtime agent, Jorge Messi, at the age of 68.
In a tribute to his father, Messi appeared to suggest that his playing career could be approaching its final stage.
His goal against Philadelphia helped Inter Miami maintain their challenge for the top position in the Eastern Conference. The club currently occupies second place, seven points behind league leaders Nashville.
