According to MLS Disciplinary Committee official announcement, Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has been fined for his confrontational conduct with an opponent during a match.

Official MLS Announcement

The MLS Disciplinary Committee has issued an undisclosed fine to Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi for violating the league’s policy regarding placing a hand on an opponent’s face/head/neck in and after the 101st minute of Inter Miami’s match against the Philadelphia Union on August 19. (End of announcement)

The incident mentioned in the announcement occurred near the center circle in the second half, away from the ball, when Messi and Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan became involved in a heated verbal exchange. Video footage showed Messi making a short swinging motion and striking Sullivan on the head, after which the referee intervened to separate the two players.

At the moment the physical contact occurred, referee Philipp Dujic had his back to the incident, so he did not show a yellow or red card at the time, and the game was allowed to continue without interruption.

The MLS Disciplinary Committee reviewed the relevant footage on Friday and ultimately decided to issue Messi an undisclosed fine rather than impose an additional suspension, meaning he remains eligible to play for Inter Miami in their upcoming matches.