Messi Fined for Slapping Opponent in Heated Philadelphia Draw
The Inter Miami star was sanctioned for striking Quinn Sullivan during stoppage time of Wednesday’s fiery 2-2 match, marking his second MLS fine.
CHESTER, Pennsylvania – Major League Soccer’s Disciplinary Committee has fined Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi an undisclosed amount for violating league policy regarding hands to the face, head, or neck of an opponent. The incident occurred in the 101st minute of Miami’s 2-2 draw with the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. The 39-year-old Argentine icon was caught on camera slapping Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan on the back of the head during a heated exchange near the centre circle. Messi appeared frustrated after Sullivan seemingly caught him with an elbow following a challenge, leading to a brief verbal confrontation that escalated when Messi took a swipe at the 22-year-old USMNT forward. Referee Filip Dujic, who had his back turned during the initial incident, arrived to separate the players but did not show either Messi or Sullivan a card. However, the league reviewed the incident after the match and announced the fine on Friday, August 21. The committee stated that the punishment was issued under MLS rules prohibiting players from making inappropriate contact with an opponent’s face, head or neck. Neither Messi nor Fray received a suspension for the incident, leaving both available for Inter Miami’s upcoming matches.
The altercation was one of several flashpoints in a chaotic stoppage-time period. Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright and Philadelphia’s 16-year-old prodigy Cavan Sullivan—Quinn’s younger brother—were both shown red cards after a separate confrontation in Miami’s penalty area. Bright made contact with Cavan’s face, leading to the dismissals. Cavan Sullivan, who will officially complete a move to Manchester City upon turning 18 in 2027, had his red card and one-match ban rescinded on Friday by an Independent Review Panel. The three-member panel, comprising representatives from U.S. Soccer, Canada Soccer, and the Professional Referee Organization, unanimously ruled in favour of the Philadelphia teenager. The decision means Sullivan remains eligible to play for Philadelphia in its next match at Austin FC on Saturday.
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Inter Miami defender Ian Fray was also fined an undisclosed amount for the same violation—striking Quinn Sullivan on the head in a separate incident. The confrontation began after Sullivan lost his footing while dribbling into the penalty area and became tangled with Fray. The Miami defender then grabbed Sullivan around the neck area, prompting the Philadelphia player to react. Sullivan subsequently jumped up and tackled Fray. MLS later imposed a fine on Fray under the same disciplinary policy used in Messi’s case. Like Messi, Fray was not suspended.
Inter Miami remained second in the Eastern Conference standings following the draw, seven points behind leaders Nashville SC. Despite the controversy, Messi scored Inter Miami’s second goal of the match at Subaru Park, finding the back of the net for the first time since his father, Jorge Messi, passed away. He dedicated his celebration to his late father by pointing towards the sky. The goal was particularly significant as it came in his first appearance on the scoresheet since returning to action following the family loss earlier this month.
Jorge Messi passed away on August 8, 2026, at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness. He was Messi’s agent since the Argentine star was 14 years old and played a pivotal role in his career, from persuading Barcelona to sign him on a napkin contract to negotiating all his professional deals. Following the private funeral on August 9 at El Prado cemetery in Perez, near Rosario, Argentina, Messi posted an emotional tribute on social media, revealing he was uncertain about his footballing future. “I don’t know what I’m going to do without you,” Messi wrote. “I don’t know how to continue. I used to just play football, but now, I’m not sure if I’ll continue playing for much longer.” The 39-year-old also reflected on the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina reached the final but lost to Spain. “I wanted to win so I could bring the trophy and show you. I didn’t succeed, my legs wouldn’t let me. This time, I tried to push beyond my physical limits, but I couldn’t. I never felt good.”