Lionel Messi and Ian Fray have been fined for separate incidents involving Inter Miami teammates during a 2-2 draw against Philadelphia on Wednesday night.
Inter Miami's Lionel Messi was fined for making contact in the head and neck area of Philadelphia's Quinn Sullivan. The incident occurred in the second-half stoppage time as the two exchanged words after Messi scored his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi.
Sullivan was also involved in a separate incident that led to Fray's fine. After Sullivan lost his footing while dribbling into the penalty area, he got tangled with Fray, who then grabbed his neck. Sullivan jumped up and tackled Fray.
Minnesota United FC defender Anthony Markanich was fined for embellishment in the second half of a 2-1 loss to Atlanta United on Wednesday.
The fines for Messi and Fray are undisclosed amounts. MLS has not released the specific amounts.
Inter Miami's performance against Philadelphia was a crucial match for the team. The draw keeps Inter Miami in the hunt for a playoff spot.
MLS has taken a firm stance on player conduct this season. The league has issued several fines and suspensions for players involved in altercations on the field.
The incidents involving Messi and Fray are the latest in a series of controversies surrounding Inter Miami. The team has been involved in several high-profile incidents this season.
Inter Miami's next match is against Nashville SC on Saturday. The team will look to bounce back from the draw against Philadelphia and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Source: Yahoo Sports
