Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer after slapping Philadelphia Union forward Quinn Sullivan on the back of the neck.
The incident occurred during a heated 2-2 draw between Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union, which featured several confrontations between players.
MLS confirmed the punishment but has not disclosed the size of the fine imposed on the Argentine forward. The league’s action relates specifically to Messi’s contact with Sullivan during the match.
Messi scored in the draw, registering his first goal since returning to football after the death of his father, Jorge. He also supplied an assist as Inter Miami took a point from the game.
The 39-year-old has remained central to Inter Miami’s season despite making a quicker-than-expected return to club football after Argentina’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Messi’s involvement with Argentina came after an outstanding run of form. He scored eight goals and provided four assists in seven matches during the tournament, although Argentina were unable to successfully defend the World Cup title.
His performances for Inter Miami have also continued to make a significant contribution. In Major League Soccer, Messi has scored 16 goals and recorded nine assists in 21 games across all competitions this season.
The fine follows a match in which the Miami captain was involved both in the decisive moments in attack and in one of several tense exchanges on the pitch. His goal ended a period without scoring after his return to action following Jorge’s passing, while his assist further underlined his influence in the 2-2 result.
Philadelphia Union’s Quinn Sullivan was the opponent involved in the incident that led to the MLS sanction. The league has not provided any further details about the amount Messi must pay.
Inter Miami’s draw came during a demanding period for Messi, who returned to club duties sooner than expected after Argentina’s run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina fell short of retaining the trophy, despite Messi’s eight goals and four assists in seven appearances.
At club level, the former Argentina international has continued to produce goals and chances. His current MLS record stands at 16 goals and nine assists from 21 matches in all competitions this season.
The punishment does not change the attacking contribution Messi made against Philadelphia Union, where he scored, created a goal for a team-mate and helped Inter Miami claim a draw. However, the neck-slapping incident means the match also resulted in a fine from Major League Soccer for the Inter Miami captain.
