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
Philadelphia Union
PHI
Inter Miami CF
MIA
Final score
2:2
1:2
,
1:0
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Indiana Vassilev
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Neil Pierre
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Daniel Pinter
- Lionel Messi
NEWS
After Unpunished Incident: Messi Receives Fine
Lionel Messi will not escape consequences after all following a recent altercation. The MLS has fined the superstar.
Lionel Messi has been fined following the recent MLS match between Philadelphia Union and Inter Miami. Major League Soccer confirmed the sanction against the 39-year-old Argentine, though the amount was not disclosed.
During the 2-2 draw between Philadelphia and Miami, tempers flared on the pitch repeatedly. There were frequent scuffles and melees – with Messi involved in the thick of it.
Verbal Altercation with 22-year-old US National Team Player
The superstar clashed with Philadelphia player Quinn Sullivan. The 22-year-old US international initially engaged in a verbal altercation with Messi.
Subsequently, Messi struck Sullivan on the back of the head with an open hand. The two opponents then stood face-to-face for a moment.
During the match, however, the incident went without immediate consequences. Both Messi and Sullivan escaped without a caution.
Retrospective Punishment for Messi
The altercation will not, however, remain entirely without consequences for Messi. The MLS retroactively fined the Inter Miami star for violating league regulations.
The exact amount of the fine was not disclosed by the MLS.
