Major League Soccer has fined Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi an undisclosed amount for striking Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during the clubs’ 2-2 draw on Wednesday.

The league’s disciplinary committee confirmed the punishment on Friday, stating that Messi had been fined for breaching MLS rules concerning contact with an opponent’s face, head or neck.

Inter Miami defender Ian Fray was also handed an undisclosed fine for the same violation.

The incident occurred late in stoppage time during a heated contest, when Messi made his way toward the centre circle to confront Sullivan while play continued in another part of the pitch.

Messi appeared to make contact with the back of Sullivan’s neck, prompting the league to take disciplinary action following the match.

After a brief confrontation, Messi swung at Sullivan, who responded by stepping up to the Argentine star in a tense, face-to-face standoff.

Referee Filip Dujic, who had initially been facing away from the incident, arrived to break up the confrontation but did not issue a yellow or red card to either player.

Dujic did, however, send off Cavan Sullivan, Quinn’s younger brother and teammate, along with Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright after the pair became involved in a stoppage-time altercation inside Miami’s penalty area.