Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer (MLS) for slapping Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during their 2-2 draw on Wednesday.
The incident occurred in second-half stoppage time as Messi and Sullivan exchanged words, with Messi appearing to slap the back of Sullivan’s neck. Messi had earlier scored and assisted in the match.
MLS also fined Inter Miami’s Ian Fray for grabbing Sullivan by the neck in a separate incident. Meanwhile, the league’s Independent Review Panel unanimously overturned the red card and one-match suspension issued to Quinn’s brother, Cavan Sullivan.
