MLS levies fine on Messi after neck slap in Wednesday draw

Major League Soccer fined Inter Miami's Argentine superstar Lionel Messi on Friday after he slapped Philadelphia's Quinn Sullivan on the back of the neck during the clubs' 2-2 draw on Wednesday. The league's disciplinary committee said the sanction was imposed for violating the league's policy on hands to the face, head or neck.

Disciplinary fine for neck slap

Major League Soccer confirmed that the fine amount was not disclosed, but the sanction was imposed on Friday. The league's disciplinary committee issued the penalty to Inter Miami's Argentine star Lionel Messi.

The incident occurred during the clubs' 2-2 draw on Wednesday, when Messi slapped Philadelphia's Quinn Sullivan on the back of the neck. Both teams were competing in the regular‑season match.

The league's disciplinary committee said the fine was levied for violating the league's policy regarding hands to the face, head or neck. The policy explicitly prohibits any contact to those areas.

The committee's statement emphasized that any such contact is considered a serious breach of conduct. The sanction reflects MLS's commitment to player safety.

The announcement was first reported by Soccer America, highlighting the league's swift response. The article noted that the fine underscores MLS's disciplinary standards.

Inter Miami and Philadelphia will move forward in the season, but the incident adds a disciplinary note to the 2-2 result. Messi's actions will be scrutinized in future matches.