Lionel Messi Fined by MLS for Slapping Opponent

Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer after slapping Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during a heated draw on Wednesday night. 

The league confirmed the fine on Friday but did not disclose the amount. The incident took place late in the second half of a 2-2 draw at Subaru Park. 

Messi Slaps Sullivan In Stoppage Time Flashpoint

Messi struck Sullivan on the back of the neck as the two players exchanged words. Sullivan reacted angrily, and the referee stepped in to separate them before things escalated further. Miami defender Ian Fray was also fined for a separate clash involving Sullivan.

 Fray grabbed Sullivan’s neck after the two became tangled when Sullivan lost his footing inside the penalty area. Sullivan jumped up and confronted Fray in response.

Tempers boiled over again in stoppage time, when Miami’s Yannick Bright and Sullivan’s brother, Cavan, were both sent off for a separate scuffle away from the ball. MLS later reviewed Cavan Sullivan’s red card and rescinded both the card and his one-match suspension. The league’s Independent Review Panel voted unanimously to overturn the sanction.

Messi Scores First Goal Since Father’s Death

Despite the ugly scenes, Messi delivered on the pitch. He set up Miami’s opening goal with a cross that Luis Suarez headed into the path of Daniel Pinter in the 21st minute. Five minutes later, Messi cut inside onto his left foot and curled a shot into the corner of the net. 

It marked his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who also served as his agent and passed away on August 7 after a long illness.

Messi has now scored 13 goals and provided nine assists in 17 MLS appearances this season. Indiana Vassilev had given the Union an early lead with a first-half volley, and 18-year-old defender Neil Pierre equalized in the 58th minute with his third goal in five games. A later Union goal was reviewed and disallowed for offside in the buildup.

Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said the Union made his side work hard for the result and called it an evenly matched, back-and-forth contest.

Miami’s Position In The Eastern Conference

The draw leaves Inter Miami second in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind leaders Nashville SC. Miami had lost three straight matches across all competitions before Wednesday, including two defeats to Mexican clubs in the Leagues Cup and a 4-1 loss to Nashville that snapped a seven-game unbeaten run in MLS play. 

Messi missed Miami’s August 8 match against Monterrey to travel home for his father’s funeral and returned as a substitute on August 12 against Leon.

Philadelphia sit 12th in the Eastern Conference table, though they remain unbeaten in five matches since Ryan Richter took over as interim coach.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Minnesota United defender Anthony Markanich was fined separately for embellishment during a 2-1 loss to Atlanta United.

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