MLS Fines Messi for Striking Opposition Player During Match

Pennsylvania: Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has been handed a fine by Major League Soccer (MLS) following an incident during Wednesday's clash with Philadelphia Union, in which he struck opponent Quinn Sullivan around the back of the head. The 39-year-old appeared to retaliate after Sullivan allegedly elbowed him during a passage of play, prompting the referee to intervene before matters worsened.

MLS confirmed the sanction in a statement on its website, noting that its disciplinary committee had fined Messi an undisclosed amount for violating league rules prohibiting contact involving hands to an opponent's face, head or neck. The incident took place in the 101st minute of the encounter, played on August 19.

Tempers flared throughout what proved to be a fiery match, which concluded with two red cards shown in stoppage time — Miami's Yannick Bright and Cavan Sullivan of Philadelphia, Quinn's brother, were both dismissed. Separately, Miami's Ian Fray was also fined by the league over a physical altercation with Quinn Sullivan during the match.

The result leaves Inter Miami in second place in the Eastern Conference table, trailing leaders Nashville by seven points.