Major League Soccer has disciplined Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi following a physical confrontation during a fixture against the Philadelphia Union. The league announced the financial penalty on Friday, though officials chose not to disclose the exact monetary value of the fine.

The incident occurred during the closing stages of a tightly contested match at Subaru Park that ultimately ended in a 2-2 stalemate. Tempers flared between Messi and Philadelphia midfielder Quinn Sullivan after the two players tangled on the pitch. The Argentine veteran struck Sullivan near the back of the head, reacting to an apparent elbow from the Union player moments after a pass.

Sullivan responded angrily to the blow, prompting the match official to step in immediately to prevent the altercation from escalating further. The disciplinary action was not limited to the veteran forward. Inter Miami defender Ian Fray also received a fine from league authorities for grabbing Sullivan by the neck after the two players collided in the penalty area.

The match proved exceptionally combative, resulting in a pair of red cards during stoppage time. Officials dismissed Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright alongside Cavan Sullivan, Quinn's brother, though league review panels later rescinded the red card and subsequent one-game suspension issued to the younger Sullivan.

Despite the tense atmosphere on the pitch, Messi managed to impact the scoresheet earlier in the match. The veteran forward netted Miami's second goal of the evening, marking his first scoring performance since returning from Argentina. Messi had recently traveled home following the passing of his father and longtime representative, Jorge Messi, who died at the age of 68 after battling a prolonged illness.

In the wake of his father's death, public comments from the World Cup winner have raised questions regarding the remainder of his professional career. The forward recently hinted that retirement could be approaching as he processes his personal loss.

The draw leaves Inter Miami positioned second within the Eastern Conference standings. The team currently trails conference leaders Nashville by a seven-point margin as the regular season progresses.

Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.