MLS Fines De Paul over Simulation

On Sunday (September 24), Lionel Messi once again delivered a masterclass performance for Inter Miami, scoring twice against New York City FC to secure his team’s place in the MLS playoffs.

Yet, despite Messi’s heroics, it was Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul who unexpectedly became the center of attention.

Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Disciplinary Committee announced that De Paul had been fined for “simulation and exaggeration” during the match. The league did not disclose the amount of the fine.

Why was De Paul sanctioned?
According to MLS, in the 26th minute of the match, De Paul went to the ground clutching his face after a minor collision with New York City’s Andrés Perea. Replays showed that Perea was merely shielding the ball, and his arm brushed lightly against De Paul. The Argentine’s reaction, however, was deemed excessive and deliberately theatrical, prompting financial punishment.

Despite the sanction, De Paul remains available for selection. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano included him in the starting lineup against Toronto, where the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

In that game, Tadeo Allende gave Inter Miami the lead just before halftime, but Toronto’s Djordje Mihailovic equalized in the 60th minute. The score remained level until the final whistle.

With this result, Inter Miami sit third in the Eastern Conference with 56 points, trailing Cincinnati (58 points) and leaders Philadelphia (60 points).

Next, Mascherano’s side will turn their focus to Tuesday’s clash against Chicago Fire, as they look to build momentum and strengthen their playoff readiness.