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Lionel Messi fined by MLS for slapping opponent's neck during match

8 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 2:14 PM

Last updated Aug 22, 2026

Lionel Messi fined by MLS for slapping opponent's neck during match
Summary

Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer for slapping Quinn Sullivan on the back of the neck during Inter Miami CF's 2-2 draw against the Philadelphia Union on August 19. The league prohibits players from putting their hands on the face, head, or neck of opponents. Messi's teammate, Ian Fray, was also fined for a similar violation in the match's closing minutes. Additionally, MLS rescinded a red card issued to Cavan Sullivan, Quinn's younger brother, after he defended his sibling during the incident. Messi scored in the match, marking his first goal since the death of his father earlier this month.

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Status Watch
  • •Messi fined an undisclosed amount by MLS for the incident.
  • •The match between Inter Miami CF and Philadelphia Union ended in a 2-2 draw.
  • •Ian Fray also fined for a similar violation during the match.
  • •Cavan Sullivan's red card was rescinded by MLS.
  • •Messi scored his first goal after his father's passing.
Latest Updates
  • 2:14 PMYahoo Sports — Slapped an opponent! How MLS will punish Lionel Messi
  • 12:45 PMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi fined for striking opponent during MLS match
  • 9:50 AMThe Guardian Sport — Lionel Messi fined for slapping opposition player in MLS game
  • 9:33 AMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi fined by MLS for slapping opposition player
  • 8:05 AMYahoo Sports — Messi fined for slapping opponent in MLS game
  • 8:05 AMBBC Sport — Messi fined for slapping opponent in MLS game
  • 12:57 AMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi fined by MLS for slapping back of opponent's neck
What they're saying
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Incident happened when Inter Miami met Philadelphia Union Argentinian lashed out at Quinn Sullivan in 2-2 draw Lionel Messi has been fined for slapping an opponent during a Major League Soccer game. The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward lashed out at Quinn Sullivan of Philadelphia Union during their match on Wednesday, catching the midfielder around the back of the head. The Argentinian appeared to be angry Sullivan had elbowed him after he had played the ball, with the referee intervening before the situation could escalate. The match at Subaru Park finished 2-2. Continue reading...

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Lionel Messi has been fined for slapping an opponent during a Major League Soccer game. The 39-year-old Inter Miami star lashed out at Quinn Sullivan of Philadelphia Union during their match on Wednesday, catching the midfielder around the back of the head.

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In the MLS, Lionel Messi lost his cool last Thursday. During the match against the Philadelphia Union (2-2), he slapped an opponent, as TV footage showed.He had clashed with forward Quinn Sullivan, bu...

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