Reggae Boy Fray, Inter teammate Messi fined

NEW YORK (AP):

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi and Ian Fray have been fined undisclosed amounts for making contact with opponents in the head and neck area during separate incidents in second-half stoppage time of a 2-2 draw with Philadelphia, Major League Soccer said on Friday.

Messi slapped Philadelphia Union’s Quinn Sullivan on the back of the neck as the two exchanged words on Wednesday night. Messi scored his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, and also provided an assist.

Sullivan was also involved in the incident that led to Fray’s fine. After losing his footing while dribbling into the penalty area, Sullivan became entangled with Fray, who then grabbed him around the neck. Sullivan quickly got to his feet and tackled Fray.

Minnesota United FC defender Anthony Markanich was also fined for embellishment during the second half of his team’s 2-1 loss to Atlanta United on Wednesday.