MLS fines Messi for striking an opponent

Major League Soccer fined Inter Miami's Argentine star Lionel Messi an undisclosed sum on Friday for striking Philadelphia's Quinn Sullivan on the back of the neck during a 2-2 draw on Wednesday. The disciplinary committee cited Messi's violation of the league's policy prohibiting hands to the face, head, or neck of an opponent.

Miami's Ian Fray also received a fine for the same infraction. The altercation occurred late in stoppage time of a heated match when Messi confronted Sullivan in the center circle while play was ongoing elsewhere. After a brief exchange, Messi launched an offensive swipe at Sullivan, who then adopted a confrontational stance with Messi.

The referee, Filip Dujic, who was turned away at the time, intervened and separated the combatants but did not issue any cards. Dujic subsequently ejected Cavan Sullivan, Messi's younger brother and teammate, as well as Miami's Italian midfielder Yannick Bright from the game in the penalty area after a subsequent scuffle.