Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer for slapping Philadelphia Union forward Quinn Sullivan during Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw on Wednesday.
The incident occurred in stoppage time of the second-half when Messi slapped Sullivan on the back of the neck as the players exchanged words. The amount was not disclosed.
Lionel Messi slapping 22-year-old USMNT and Philadelphia Union forward Quinn Sullivan in the back of the head 😮 pic.twitter.com/E87sMnhvng
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) August 20, 2026
The league also fined Miami defender Ian Fray for grabbing Sullivan around the neck during a separate confrontation. Sullivan had become involved with Fray after losing his footing while dribbling into the penalty area. The two became tangled before Fray grabbed Sullivan’s neck, prompting the Philadelphia player to get back to his feet and tackle the Miami defender.
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MLS has since overturned Cavan Sullivan’s red card and one-match suspension. The league said its Independent Review Panel voted unanimously to rescind the punishment.
Messi scored his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, against Philadelphia and also provided an assist as Miami drew 2-2.
The league also fined Minnesota United defender Anthony Markanich for embellishment during his side’s 2-1 defeat by Atlanta United on Wednesday.
