MLS Disciplinary Committee fines Messi for on-field contact with opponent

NEW YORK — Major League Soccer's Disciplinary Committee has fined Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi for an on-field incident during the club's 2-2 draw with Philadelphia Union, the league said. The incident occurred during stoppage time off the ball, and the match referee did not issue a card at the time. The committee said the fine was imposed for violating a rule prohibiting deliberate hand contact to an opponent's face, head or neck. MLS did not disclose the amount of the fine. The altercation involved Messi and Philadelphia Union's Quinn Sullivan. Inter Miami defender Ian Fray was also fined under the same rule, the league added. The match separately saw Philadelphia Union's Cavan Sullivan and Inter Miami's Yannick Bright sent off with red cards for a shoving incident inside the penalty area. Messi is expected to be available for Inter Miami when the team faces Toronto on Sunday.