Lionel Messi may face disciplinary action following a heated on field exchange with Philadelphia Union's Quinn Sullivan, who is of Bangladeshi descent, during Inter Miami's 2-2 draw in Major League Soccer in the early hours of Thursday.
Footage circulating on social media shows Messi approaching Sullivan and exchanging words with him before the Philadelphia midfielder walked towards the Argentine and the situation briefly turned heated.
Messi was then seen tapping Sullivan on the head before the referee intervened to separate the pair.
Citing journalist and commentator Jose Armando, Daily Sports reported that the MLS Disciplinary Committee is now reviewing the incident between Messi and Sullivan, with a fine considered likely and a possible match suspension not ruled out depending on the panel's findings.
Under MLS regulations, incidents occurring during a match can be assessed by the Disciplinary Committee even after full time, and the panel retains authority to impose further sanctions, including fines and suspensions, if specific criteria relating to player conduct are met.
The confrontation followed a separate flashpoint late in stoppage time, when Sullivan's younger brother Cavan Sullivan, also of Bangladeshi origin, became embroiled in an altercation with Miami defender Ian Fray after appearing to be fouled by him, sparking a brief melee involving several players.
Miami's Yannick Bright and 16 year old Cavan Sullivan were both shown straight red cards once the situation was brought under control, while Quinn Sullivan received a yellow card.
It was in the immediate aftermath of that flashpoint that Quinn's exchange with Messi took place.
Cavan Sullivan, who is expected to join Premier League club Manchester City once he turns 18, will now miss Philadelphia's next fixture on 22 August as a result of his dismissal, having already established himself as a regular starter this season.
Away from the disciplinary talking points, Messi delivered a standout individual performance, scoring in the 26th minute and providing the pass that led to Miami's opening goal in the 21st, as Inter Miami came from behind twice to secure a share of the spoils.
The goal carried particular significance for the Argentine, marking his first since the death of his father on 8 August, with Messi dedicating an emotional celebration to his late father and grandmother following a difficult few weeks both on and off the pitch.
With 13 goals in 17 MLS appearances this season, Messi now sits second on the league's scoring charts, one goal behind FC Dallas forward Petar Musa, as Inter Miami remain second in the Eastern Conference, seven points adrift of leaders Nashville.