MLS fines Lionel Messi! What happened?

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has been handed a financial penalty by the MLS authorities following a controversial incident in the match against Philadelphia Union (2-2).

Details: The MLS Disciplinary Committee has officially fined the 39-year-old Argentine for violating the rule prohibiting “physical contact with an opponent’s head, neck, or face.” In the closing moments of an emotional clash that ended in a high-scoring draw, Messi got into a heated exchange with Philadelphia’s Quinn Sullivan and delivered a light slap to the back of his head. The match referee did not show Messi a card during the game, but the league reviewed the footage post-match. As is customary, the amount of the fine was not disclosed.

As part of the same investigation, Inter Miami defender Ian Fray was also fined, while the red card shown to Philadelphia’s 22-year-old midfielder Cavan Sullivan was completely rescinded.

Messi avoided suspension and will be available for Inter Miami’s upcoming matches. This marks the second such fine for Lionel in the United States: he received a similar punishment in February 2025 for an incident involving contact with New York City FC’s coach.

See also: Messi scores again! Argentine reaches 922 career goals. Did Inter Miami win? VIDEO