AFCON 2025
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer (MLS) for slapping Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during Wednesday’s 2-2 draw at Subaru Park.
The incident occurred late in the match after Messi appeared to believe Sullivan had elbowed him following a challenge.
Messi reacted by striking the Union midfielder around the back of the head, prompting an angry response from Sullivan before the referee intervened to prevent the confrontation from escalating further.
MLS confirmed that Messi had been fined for his actions, although the league did not disclose the amount of the punishment.
Messi was not the only Inter Miami player sanctioned following the heated encounter. Teammate Ian Fray was also fined after grabbing Sullivan by the neck during another confrontation in the penalty area.
The match descended into further chaos in stoppage time, with Inter Miami’s Yannick Bright and Philadelphia’s Cavan Sullivan both shown red cards. Cavan Sullivan’s one-match suspension was subsequently overturned following a review.
Despite the controversy, Messi made his mark on the scoresheet, scoring Inter Miami’s second goal of the night to help secure a 2-2 draw.
The goal was particularly significant for the Argentine, as it came in his first appearance since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who died aged 68 following a long illness.
Messi had returned to Argentina to attend his father’s funeral before rejoining Inter Miami.
The result leaves Inter Miami second in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind leaders Nashville.
