Miami's Lionel Messi fined by MLS for slapping opponent
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Inter Miami players Lionel Messi and Ian Fray were fined undisclosed amounts by MLS for making contact with opponents' head and neck areas during stoppage time in a 2-2 draw against Philadelphia.
- Messi slapped Philadelphia's Quinn Sullivan on the back of the neck amid a verbal exchange; Messi also scored his first goal since his father's death and provided an assist in the match.
- A separate incident involving Sullivan and Fray led to Fray grabbing Sullivan's neck, prompting Sullivan to tackle Fray, contributing to the on-field tensions.
- The game ended with red cards for Miami's Yannick Bright and Philadelphia's Cavan Sullivan, but MLS later rescinded Cavan Sullivan's red card and one-game suspension after a unanimous Independent Review Panel decision.
- Additionally, Minnesota United defender Anthony Markanich was fined for embellishment during a 2-1 loss to Atlanta United.
