Lionel Messi Fined After Slapping Bangladeshi-American Quinn Sullivan
Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer (MLS) after an incident involving Philadelphia Union forward Quinn Sullivan, who is of Bangladeshi descent, during a recent match between Inter Miami and Philadelphia.
The incident occurred during Miami’s 2-2 draw with Philadelphia. In a heated exchange, Messi appeared to slap the back of Sullivan’s neck as the two players confronted each other.
MLS fined Messi and his Inter Miami teammate Yannick Bright for their involvement in separate incidents during the match. The league did not disclose the amount of the fines.
The match also saw two red cards in a late off-the-ball confrontation involving Bright and Philadelphia’s Cavan Sullivan, Quinn’s younger brother. MLS later overturned Cavan Sullivan’s red card and one-match suspension after an independent review panel unanimously determined that the punishment should be rescinded.
Quinn Sullivan is one of the Sullivan brothers who have gained recognition among Bangladeshi football fans. His older brothers Ronan and Declan Sullivan represented Bangladesh at the SAFF U-20 Championship, while the family has maintained strong connections to Bangladeshi football.
Messi scored a goal and provided an assist in the match, marking his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi.
MLS also fined Minnesota United defender Anthony Markanich for allegedly exaggerating the impact of a foul during his team’s 2-1 loss to Atlanta United.
