Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has been fined after striking Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during Wednesday’s 2-2 draw at Subaru Park.
The incident happened late in the match after Messi appeared to believe Sullivan had elbowed him following a challenge.
Messi responded by hitting Sullivan around the back of the head. Sullivan reacted angrily before the referee stepped in to stop the confrontation from becoming worse.
Major League Soccer confirmed that Messi had violated its policy against touching an opponent’s face, head or neck. The league did not reveal the amount of the fine.
Inter Miami defender Ian Fray was also fined for grabbing Sullivan by the neck during another confrontation.
The match became more chaotic during stoppage time. Miami’s Yannick Bright and Philadelphia’s Cavan Sullivan both received red cards.
However, an independent review panel later cancelled Cavan Sullivan’s red card and one-match suspension.
Despite the controversy, Messi scored Inter Miami’s second goal. It was his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who died at 68 after a long illness.
Messi had travelled to Argentina for his father’s funeral before returning to Inter Miami.
The 2-2 draw left Inter Miami second in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind Nashville.
