MLS fines Lionel Messi for striking opponent in 2-2 draw

MLS fine Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi and Ian Fray for separate incidents in match against Philadelphia Union.

Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi was fined by Major League Soccer on Friday for delivering a slap to the head of a Philadelphia Union opponent.

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi and Ian Fray have been fined undisclosed amounts for making contact in the head and neck area of opponents in separate incidents during second-half stoppage time in a 2-2 draw against Philadelphia, MLS said Friday.

Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer (MLS) for violating the league’s policy regarding contact with the face, head or neck of an opponent. The incident unfolded during Inter Miami’s game against the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday when a brawl broke out, leading to MLS investigating the matter and handing punishments to those found guilty.

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi and Ian Fray have been fined undisclosed amounts for making contact in the head and neck area of opponents in separate incidents during second-half stoppage time in a 2-2 draw against Philadelphia, MLS said Friday. Messi slapped the Union's Quinn Sullivan on the back of the neck as the two exchanged words Wednesday night. Messi scored his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, and added an assist.

Major League Soccer fined Inter Miami's Argentine superstar Lionel Messi an undisclosed amount on Friday for slapping Philadelphia's Quinn Sullivan on the back of the neck in the clubs' 2-2 draw on Wednesday.Miami's Ian Fray was fined an undisclosed amount for the same infraction.