Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi has been fined for slapping Philadelphia Union’s Quinn Sullivan during their side’s Major League Soccer (MLS) 2-2 draw on Wednesday in what has been described as a disgrace from one of the best players in the world.
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Cavan’s one-game suspension, however, has now been rescinded after review.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.
BBC
(The Whistler)