The match between Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union ended with high tempers as Lionel Messi, despite scoring his first goal of the MLS season, became involved in an incident in which he slapped Quinn Sullivan. While Messi faces consequences imposed by the league, he remains available for Inter Miami against Toronto FC.
According to Jose Armando Rodriguez of Deporte Total, Messi officially received a fine for the midweek incident with Sullivan. The Inter Miami captain was not the only player involved from the squad.
According to a report from the Miami Herald, teammate Ian Fray will also be fined an undisclosed amount for violating the league’s policy regarding hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent during the match. It marks a rare situation to see the Argentine star involved in such an altercation.
What happened between Messi and Sullivan?
Intensity built as the second half progressed, with Philadelphia scoring an equalizer. Inter Miami tried to find space to regain the lead, but the flow of the game led to growing frustration and multiple clashes among players.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF reacts.
That atmosphere set the stage for the incident between Quinn and Messi. Following an exchange between the two, the Argentine reacted by slapping the back of his opponent’s head with his open palm. The players briefly squared off before play resumed.
Another on-field altercation
Meanwhile, Cavan Sullivan was later sent off following a separate altercation, this time involving Yannick Bright during the closing minutes. However, his red card will be overturned.
According to Michelle Kaufman of the Miami Herald, a panel unanimously voted to rescind the red card, one-game suspension, and fine issued to Cavan Sullivan in the 90+12 minute, clearing him to play in the next match for Philadelphia Union.
