Financial fine imposed on Messi after slapping a Philadelphia player in the US league

The disciplinary committee of Major League Soccer (MLS) has imposed a financial fine on Argentine star Lionel Messi, player for Inter Miami, for slapping Philadelphia Union’s Kevin Molino during the match between the two teams, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

The league announced on Friday that Messi was fined an undisclosed amount for violating the competition’s policy regarding placing a hand on an opponent’s face, head, or neck.

The incident occurred in the 101st minute of the match played on Wednesday at Subaru Park, where Messi and Molino exchanged heated words before the Argentine star slapped the back of the player’s head and neck.

The disciplinary committee also imposed an undisclosed fine on Inter Miami defender Ian Fray for violating the same policy during the match.

Tensions rose between players of both teams in the final minutes of the game, resulting in the red card and ejection of Yannick Bright from Inter Miami and Kevin Molino from Philadelphia Union. However, an independent review committee later overturned the red card and associated sanction against Kevin Molino.