Lionel Messi fined by MLS for striking opponent

Lionel Messi was fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer for striking an opponent during a heated confrontation in a recent match, the league announced on August 21, 2026. The incident occurred during Inter Miami's 2-2 draw with the Philadelphia Union on August 19 in Chester, Pennsylvania. The penalty came after the MLS Disciplinary Committee completed its review of the on-field altercation.

According to the league's announcement, Messi made contact with the head and neck area of Philadelphia's Quinn Sullivan in the 101st minute of the match. The event began when Sullivan and Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright were shown red cards following a scuffle deep in second-half stoppage time. Footage and reports indicate Messi struck Sullivan on the back of the neck during the ensuing altercation. The confrontation also involved Inter Miami defender Ian Fray, who was separately fined for making contact with an opponent's neck area during the same sequence of events.

Messi avoided a suspension following the review and is available for Inter Miami's next scheduled match. The committee's decision to impose only a fine is consistent with the league's recent precedent for...