Lionel Messi Fined by MLS for Slapping Philadelphia Union’s Quinn Sullivan During Inter Miami’s 2–2 Draw
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has been hit with an undisclosed fine by Major League Soccer for slapping Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during a contentious 2-2 draw on August 19, 2026. The league's Disciplinary Committee announced the sanction on August 21, following an incident where Messi made contact with Sullivan.
Major League Soccer has officially fined Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi for an incident during Wednesday’s heated 2-2 draw against the Philadelphia Union, where the Argentine forward was seen making contact with an opponent. The league's Disciplinary Committee announced the sanction on Friday, August 21, 2026, citing a violation of policy regarding hands to an opponent's face, head, or neck. Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes First Footballer To Score Goals in 25 Consecutive Football Seasons
Lionel Messi Slaps Quinn Sullivan
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 incident occurred in the 101st minute of the match at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, when Messi, who turned 39 in June, confronted Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan, 22. Following a brief verbal exchange, Messi appeared to swipe at Sullivan on the back of the neck, leading to a tense face-off before players were separated. Despite the physical contact, referee Filip Dujic, whose back was turned during the altercation, did not issue a card to either player at the time.
The Fiery Encounter
The 2-2 draw between Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union was marred by multiple contentious moments in stoppage time. In addition to Messi's infringement, Inter Miami defender Ian Fray also received an undisclosed fine for a similar violation involving an opponent. The dramatic conclusion of the match also saw red cards issued to Inter Miami's Yannick Bright and Philadelphia Union's Cavan Sullivan, Quinn Sullivan's younger brother, following a separate scuffle inside Miami's penalty area. However, Cavan Sullivan's one-game suspension and accompanying fine were later rescinded by an Independent Review Panel.
Messi had earlier scored the equalizer for Inter Miami, sparking a comeback after falling behind 1-0. This goal marked his first since the passing of his father, Jorge, on August 7, 2026. Lionel Messi Stars on Comeback for Inter Miami, Scores First Goal Since Father's Death (Watch Video).
MLS Standings and Upcoming Fixtures
Inter Miami, despite the draw, currently sits second in the Eastern Conference with 39 points, trailing first-place Nashville's 46 points after 20 matches this season. The Philadelphia Union, meanwhile, are 13th in the conference with 20 points after 20 matches. Crucially, the MLS Disciplinary Committee opted for a financial penalty over a suspension, meaning Messi remains available for Inter Miami's upcoming fixtures.
Inter Miami's next regular season match is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 4:30 PM ET against Toronto FC at their home ground, Nu Stadium. Toronto FC defender Walker Zimmerman, 33, was also fined for a separate incident on Wednesday, for failing to leave the field in a timely manner after being shown a red card in their 3-3 draw with Charlotte FC.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 22, 2026 10:33 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
