Lionel Messi fined for striking opponent during MLS match

Lionel Messi fined for striking opponent during MLS match Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer (MLS) for slapping Quinn Sullivan during Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Philadelphia Union.  Footage on social media showed the two players exchanging words near the halfway line towards the end of the match.  Messi struck Sullivan around the back of the head, sparking an angry reaction from the Philadelphia star. Referee Filip Dujic then stepped in to prevent further escalation.  Messi appeared to be angry Sullivan had elbowed him after he played the ball.  The 2022 World Cup winner escaped punishment at the time and play was allowed to continue.  But the MLS have now announced Messi has been fined for ‘violating the league’s policy regarding hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent’.  Messi scored his first goal in Wednesday’s game since his father passed away following a long illness.  The Argentine put Miami 2-1 ahead in the 26th minute by curling a superb effort into the far corner.  He was also involved in the Herons’ first goal as he found Luis Suarez with a brilliant ball, who set up Daniel Pinter for a close-range finish.  However, Miami were forced to share the spoils, with Indiana Vassilev and Neil Pierre scoring in the 11th and 58th minutes respectively.