Slapped an opponent! How MLS will punish Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer after a late incident during Inter Miami’s 2-2 match against the Philadelphia Union last Thursday. TV footage showed Messi slapping an opponent during a clash with forward Quinn Sullivan. Although the league said the moment had no immediate consequences at the time, it has now issued a penalty. MLS did not disclose the amount of the fine. In its statement, the league said the slap violated its guidelines on contact with an opponent’s face, head, or neck. Messi will not be suspended.