Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:06pm on 22 Aug 2026,Saturday Sports
Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer after slapping Philadelphia Union player Quinn Sullivan during a heated match. The incident happened in the 101st minute of Miami’s 2-2 draw with Philadelphia. Messi slapped Sullivan on the back of the neck during a tense exchange. MLS rules ban players from hitting an opponent’s head, neck or face. Messi was fined an undisclosed amount. Union midfielder Ian Fray was also fined for a separate incident involving Sullivan. Meanwhile, Sullivan’s red card was overturned after an independent review. Messi scored one goal and provided an assist in the match.
