Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer (MLS) for an incident involving Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw against Philadelphia . Messi made contact with Sullivan’s neck area during a tense moment late in the match.
MLS rules do not allow players to hit an opponent on the head, face or neck. The incident happened in second-half stoppage time and added more drama to an already heated game. Messi was not sent off during the match, but MLS later took action against the Inter Miami star. The league has not revealed the amount of the fine. Messi also had a good game on the field, scoring one goal and providing an assist for Miami.
Why was Lionel Messi fined by MLS?
Messi was fined for making contact with the head and neck area of Quinn Sullivan during the match. The incident took place in the 101st minute when emotions were running high between the two teams.
MLS rules do not allow players to hit an opponent on the face, head or neck. Messi’s action was therefore reviewed by the league, which later handed him a fine. However, the exact amount has not been made public.
What happened between Messi and Quinn Sullivan?
Messi appeared upset during a heated exchange with Sullivan. As the Philadelphia player moved past him, Messi slapped him on the back of the neck, which led to another confrontation between the players.
The incident was caught on video and later spread on social media. It became one of the main talking points from the match, which had already seen several tense moments.
Why were other players involved in the fight?
Messi was not the only player punished after the late clash. Philadelphia’s Ian Fray was also fined for hitting Quinn Sullivan on the head in a separate incident during the same game. The trouble started after Sullivan lost his footing while taking the ball into the penalty area. He became involved in a tussle with Fray, who grabbed him around the neck. Sullivan then got back up and tackled Fray, adding to the heated scenes.
Why was Cavan Sullivan shown a red card?
The match ended with more drama when Miami’s Yannick Bright and Philadelphia teenager Cavan Sullivan were shown red cards after a stoppage-time fight.
Cavan Sullivan had entered the confrontation while trying to defend his older brother, Quinn Sullivan. However, MLS later reviewed the decision and overturned Cavan’s red card.
Will Cavan Sullivan miss Philadelphia’s next match?
No. MLS’s Independent Review Panel unanimously ruled in favour of Cavan Sullivan after reviewing the incident. As a result, his red card was cancelled along with the automatic one-match suspension. The 16-year-old will therefore be available for Philadelphia’s next match.
How did Lionel Messi perform in the match?
Despite the late controversy, Messi had a strong game for Inter Miami. He scored one goal and provided one assist as Miami and Philadelphia played out a 2-2 draw.
The goal was also special for Messi as it was his first since the death of his father, Jorge Messi. Jorge Messi died at the age of 68 after an undisclosed illness.
How has Messi performed for Inter Miami this season?
Messi has continued to play an important role for Inter Miami this season. He has scored 13 goals and provided eight assists in 17 games.
The Argentina star will now look to put the latest controversy behind him and focus on helping Miami in their upcoming MLS matches.