Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi has been penalized for hitting Quinn Sullivan of Philadelphia Union during their team’s 2-2 tie in Major League Soccer (MLS) on Wednesday.
Messi, 39, tapped Sullivan on the back of the head near the end of the match while he voiced that the Union player had elbowed him after he kicked the ball.
Sullivan responded with anger to the slap, but the referee promptly stepped in.
The MLS acknowledged that Messi was fined, but did not disclose the sum.
Messi netted Miami’s second goal at Subaru Park, scoring for the first time since his father died.
The Argentina international wasn’t the sole player to confront Sullivan, as Miami’s Ian Fray was likewise penalized by the MLS.
Fray seized Sullivan’s neck after they both got entangled when Sullivan slipped in the box.
A contentious match concluded with two red cards after Miami’s Yannick Bright and Sullivan’s sibling Cavan were both dismissed during stoppage time.
Cavan’s one-match ban, however, has now been overturned following a review.
Miami currently holds the second position in the Eastern Conference, trailing leaders Nashville by seven points.
Messi has returned to Miami after attending the funeral of his father, who was also his agent, in Argentina.
Jorge Messi passed away at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness, and in honor of his father, Messi indicated that he might not play football for much longer.
