Lionel Messi fined by MLS for slapping back of opponent's neck

Major League Soccer has fined Lionel Messi for slapping Philadelphia Union player Quinn Sullivan on the back of his neck during Inter Miami's 2-2 draw against the club on Wednesday, August 19. The Argentinian superstar has been hit with an undisclosed fine for violating MLS's rule that prohibits players from making contact with an opponent's face, head, or neck.

Interestingly, Messi's teammate Ian Fray also received a fine for the same infraction, taking place in what the source describes as a "chippy final few minutes" of the match.

In a separate move, MLS has rescinded the red card given to Quinn Sullivan, the 16-year-old rising star and younger brother of Quinn. The younger Sullivan was booked during the altercation when he stepped in to defend his older brother.

Despite the fine, Messi managed to score in the draw, giving him his first goal since the passing of his father, Jorge, on August 8. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner had missed Inter Miami's match on the day his father passed. He returned to the club for their League Cup match against León on August 12, where he came off the bench in the second half.

Since the World Cup, Messi's goals for Inter Miami include a pair of goals in the club's 4-2 League Cup win against Atlético de San Luis on August 5. In the World Cup itself, Argentina finished second to Spain, with Messi scoring eight goals and becoming the tournament's all-time leading scorer. However, he was surpassed by Kylian Mbappé in overall scoring and the Golden Boot award.