Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi just got hit with an undisclosed fine from MLS on Friday. The league laid down the hammer after Messi made contact with a Philadelphia Union player’s head and neck area during their chaotic 2-2 draw against the Union Wednesday night.
Messi’s Fiery Moment and a First Goal
The incident happened during second-half stoppage time, when Messi slapped the Union’s Quinn Sullivan on the back of the neck as the two were exchanging words. It was a heated moment in a game where Messi also managed to score his first goal since the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, and even added an assist. Talk about a rollercoaster of emotions for the GOAT.
Fray’s Fracas and Sullivan’s Response
But Messi wasn’t the only Inter Miami player getting disciplined. Ian Fray also got slapped with an undisclosed fine for his own separate incident, also involving Quinn Sullivan. Sullivan was dribbling into the penalty area when he lost his footing and got tangled with Fray. That’s when Fray grabbed Sullivan’s neck. Sullivan didn’t take that lying down, jumping right up and tackling Fray. You know tempers were flaring big time out there.
League Takes a Stand
MLS didn’t stop there with the fines from Wednesday night’s matches. Minnesota United FC defender Anthony Markanich was also fined for embellishment during the second half of their 2-1 loss to Atlanta United. It looks like the league is sending a clear message across the board: play hard, but play clean. These fines show MLS isn’t afraid to step in when things get out of hand, even with its biggest stars involved.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
Leave a Reply