Inter Miami's Lionel Messi fined by MLS for slapping opponent
by Don Jacobson · UPIAug. 21 (UPI) -- International superstar Lionel Messi was fined by Major League Soccer on Friday for slapping an opposing player in Wednesday's match against the Philadelphia Union.
Messi, captain of Argentina's national team and widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, was fined an undisclosed amount "for violating the league's policy regarding hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent," the league said in a statement.
The incident happened in the 101st minute of a 2-2 draw between Miami and Philadelphia and just before an on-field brawl broke out.
Video of the confrontation shows the Union's Quinn Sullivan walking past Messi. As the two deliver words to each other, Messi delivers a quick open-handed slap to the back of Sullivan's head.
The Philadelphia player then turns and puts his nose in the face of the Miami star before the two separate.
Union midfielder Ian Fray was also fined as a result of a different incident in the same game for delivering a blow to the head of Sullivan.
President Trump hosts Inter Miami CF, Lionel Messi
President Donald Trump talks with captain Lionel Messi alongside members of Major League Soccer champions Inter Miami CF during an event in their honor inside the East Room of the White House in Washington on March 5, 2026. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI | License Photo