Lionel Messi Fined for Slapping 22-Year-Old Opponent During MLS Match

• Lionel Messi has been fined by MLS after appearing to slap Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan
• MLS rules prohibit players from striking or putting their hands on an opponent’s face, head or neck
• The punishment is Messi’s second sanction since he joined Inter Miami in 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain

Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer after an altercation with Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during Inter Miami's 2-2 draw at Subaru Park.

The 39-year-old was punished for striking Sullivan around the back of the head late in Wednesday's match, August 19.

Messi and Sullivan clash in heated match

According to BBC Sport, Messi appeared to react after claiming the 22-year-old had elbowed him immediately after he played the ball.

Sullivan responded angrily before the referee stepped in to separate the players.

MLS confirmed Messi's fine but did not disclose the amount. It is the second time the Inter Miami captain has been sanctioned financially by the league since joining the club in 2023.

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Watch the heated moment between Messi and Sullivan, as shared on X:

Messi was not the only Miami player punished. Defender Ian Fray was also fined after grabbing Sullivan around the neck during another confrontation.

The match descended into chaos late on, with two players shown red cards during stoppage time.

Miami's Yannick Bright and Philadelphia's Cavan Sullivan were both dismissed, although Cavan's one-match suspension was later overturned following a league review.

Away from the drama, Messi still made his mark on the scoresheet, scoring Miami's second goal of the night. It was his first goal since the death of his father.

Why Messi was fined by MLS

According to Sun Sport, the latest punishment follows a previous MLS fine in February 2025, when Messi was sanctioned after grabbing New York City FC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy around the neck following a heated exchange.

Inter Miami currently sit second in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind leaders Nashville.

Messi's latest disciplinary issue also comes just a day after FIFA announced a series of sanctions against Argentina over incidents connected to the 2026 World Cup.

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Source: YEN.com.gh