Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer (MLS) for slapping Philadelphia Union player Quinn Sullivan.

The 39-year-old Messi slapped Sullivan at the end of the game after he complained the Union player had elbowed him. He also exchanged words verbally with New York FC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy. The exchange was unclear about what the two said to each other.

Messi and Sullivan reacted very aggressively, but the referee interrupted and handled the situation.

The MLS has confirmed that Messi had been fined, but did not revealed the amount for violating the league’s policy. Messi was not the only one to violate the policy, as Miami’s Ian Fray was also fined after the match.

MLS issued the details in a press release on their website, saying that Messi was fined for slapping opposition player.

“The MLS disciplinary committee has fined Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi an undisclosed amount for violating the league’s policy regarding hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent in the 101st minute of Miami’s match against the Philadelphia Union on 19 August.”

Fray grabbed the neck of Sullivan, resulting in fine for both players with the game ending with two red cards.

Messi also scored for Inter Miami at Subaru Park, marking his first goal since returning from Argentina after losing his father, Jorge Messi, at the age of 68.

Jorge Messi was also his longtime agent. In tribute to his father, Messi suggested he may not play football for much longer.

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Written by Aleena Khan

Aleena is a sports writer at Sports Manch, with a keen interest in cricket and sports journalism. Her work focuses on creative storytelling, feature writing, and SEO content, with an emphasis on producing clear, engaging, and well-researched stories. She is passionate about exploring compelling sports narratives and continues to develop her skills as a versatile and impactful writer.