Lionel Messi and Ian Fray of Inter Miami have received fines from MLS for separate incidents involving contact with opponents during a recent match against Philadelphia. Messi was penalized for slapping Quinn Sullivan on the neck, while Fray was fined for grabbing Sullivan's neck during a tangle. Both incidents occurred in the second half of the game, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
The league's Independent Review Panel has decided to overturn a sanction against Sullivan related to the incidents. Additionally, Minnesota United's Anthony Markanich was fined for embellishment in a different match.
Watch for how these fines may influence player conduct in future matches, especially with tensions rising in the league. Messi's emotional return to form could also be pivotal for Inter Miami's strategy as they aim for playoff positioning.