Inter Miami's star forward received an undisclosed MLS fine for lashing out at Philadelphia Union's Quinn Sullivan during their 2-2 draw.
Lionel Messi, the renowned Inter Miami forward, has faced disciplinary action from Major League Soccer (MLS) for an incident during a recent match. The Argentinian superstar received a fine after an altercation with Philadelphia Union's midfielder Quinn Sullivan. This marks a notable moment for Messi in his MLS tenure.
The event unfolded during a tense 2-2 draw between Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park. Messi was observed striking Sullivan around the back of the head during the 101st minute of the fiercely contested game on August 19.
The MLS disciplinary committee confirmed the financial penalty, citing a violation of the league’s policy regarding "hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent." The exact amount of the fine remains undisclosed, according to reporting by The Guardian - Sport.
The Altercation: What Led to Messi's Fine?
Messi's reaction appeared to stem from an earlier moment in the game. Reports suggest that after the Inter Miami forward had played the ball, Sullivan seemingly elbowed him, provoking Messi's lash-out. A referee swiftly intervened to prevent the situation from escalating further on the field.
The incident highlights the intense competitive nature of MLS matches, even for a player of Messi's global stature. This particular game at Subaru Park was noted for its heated atmosphere, contributing to multiple disciplinary actions.
MLS Disciplinary Action and Other Fines
The official statement from the competition's website clearly outlined the reason for Messi's penalty: "The MLS disciplinary committee has fined Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi an undisclosed amount for violating the league’s policy regarding hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent in the 101st minute of Miami’s match against the Philadelphia Union on 19 August." This action underscores the league's commitment to maintaining player conduct standards.
Lionel Messi's fine was not the only disciplinary measure taken after the bad-tempered fixture. The match also saw two late red cards issued in stoppage time, affecting Miami’s Yannick Bright and Cavan Sullivan, Quinn Sullivan's brother. Additionally, Miami’s Ian Fray was also fined by the MLS for his clash with Sullivan, indicating a broader pattern of contentious play during the game.
Impact of Messi's Disciplinary Record in MLS
While the specific amount of the fine for Lionel Messi's slap remains confidential, this incident marks a rare disciplinary blot on the otherwise stellar career of the Argentinian legend. Fans globally will be watching to see if this affects his future conduct or perception within the North American league.
Such disciplinary actions, particularly involving high-profile players, draw significant attention to the league's rules and enforcement. For Inter Miami, managing player discipline alongside on-field performance is crucial as they navigate their MLS season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Lionel Messi fined by MLS?
Lionel Messi was fined by Major League Soccer for slapping Philadelphia Union's Quinn Sullivan around the back of the head during their match on August 19. The MLS disciplinary committee cited a violation of the league's policy regarding "hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent."
Who did Lionel Messi slap during the Inter Miami game?
Lionel Messi slapped Quinn Sullivan, a midfielder for the Philadelphia Union. The incident occurred during a contentious 2-2 draw between Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park.
What was the score of the match where Messi was fined?
The match between Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union, during which Lionel Messi was fined, ended in a 2-2 draw at Subaru Park.
Was anyone else disciplined in the Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union match?
Yes, besides Lionel Messi, Inter Miami's Yannick Bright and Philadelphia Union's Cavan Sullivan (Quinn Sullivan's brother) both received red cards in stoppage time. Inter Miami's Ian Fray was also fined by the MLS for clashing with Quinn Sullivan.