Inter Miami's Lionel Messi has received a fine for slapping Philadelphia Union's Quinn Sullivan during their Major League Soccer (MLS) match, which ended in a 2-2 draw on Wednesday.

The incident occurred late in the game when Messi, aged 39, slapped Sullivan on the back of the head while voicing his displeasure over an alleged elbow from Sullivan after playing the ball. Sullivan reacted angrily, but the referee intervened swiftly to diffuse the situation.

The MLS confirmed that Messi had been fined, although the league did not disclose the specific amount. Notably, this match marked a significant moment for Messi, as he scored Miami's second goal, his first since the passing of his father.

Messi wasn’t the only player involved in altercations during the match. Ian Fray, also from Inter Miami, faced disciplinary action for grabbing Sullivan's neck after a tangle in the box.

The match was notably intense, culminating in two red cards being issued during stoppage time. Yannick Bright of Inter Miami and Cavan Sullivan, Quinn's brother, were both sent off. However, after a review, Cavan's one-game suspension has since been rescinded.