Inter Miami defeated New York City FC with a strong performance from Lionel Messi, who scored two goals to help secure a playoff spot for the team. Meanwhile, MLS imposed a fine on Rodrigo De Paul for an incident during the match.
MLS fined Inter Miami midfielder Rodrigo De Paul an undisclosed amount after he was found to have exaggerated contact on a foul by Andres Perea during the game. The league’s disciplinary committee decided that De Paul breached its rules on simulation and embellishment.
“The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined Inter Miami CF midfielder Rodrigo De Paul for violating the league’s policy regarding simulation/embellishment in the 26th minute of Inter Miami’s match against New York City FC on September 24,” the league announced.
In addition to the fining, MLS released footage of the incident, showing the Argentine midfielder falling and holding his face after contact with Perea. However, replays showed that Perea was merely shielding the ball and his arm briefly brushed against De Paul’s.
What’s next for Inter Miami?
Despite the fine, Rodrigo De Paul will be eligible for Inter Miami’s upcoming games. Javier Mascherano’s team has already secured a playoff position with five regular-season matches remaining.
The Herons are currently in the middle of a tough schedule, having won three out of their first four games in this stretch. Their next match is an away game against Toronto FC, followed by home matches against the Chicago Fire and New England Revolution at Chase Stadium.
Inter Miami will finish the regular season with two final games: hosting Atlanta United on October 11 and then traveling to Nashville on October 18.