Miami’s Lionel Messi fined by MLS for slapping opponent


Inter Miami‘s Lionel Messi and Ian Fray have been fined undisclosed amounts for making contact in the head and neck area of opponents in separate incidents during second-half stoppage time in a 2-2 draw against Philadelphia, MLS said Friday.

Messi slapped the Union’s Quinn Sullivan on the back of the neck as the two exchanged words Wednesday night. Messi scored his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, and added an assist.

Miami striker on head injury: Like TV turned off
Messi tracker: All goals, assists, key moments for Miami, Argentina in 2026

Sullivan also was involved in the fracas that led to Fray’s fine. After Sullivan lost his footing dribbling into the penalty area, he got tangled with Fray, who then grabbed his neck. Sullivan jumped up and tackled Fray.

The game ended with a pair of red cards in stoppage time to Miami’s Yannick Bright and Quinn Sullivan’s brother, Cavan, for a scuffle off the ball. However, MLS said Friday that it was rescinding the red card and one-game suspension given to Cavan Sullivan.

The league said its Independent Review Panel had voted unanimously to overturn Sullivan’s sanction.

Minnesota United defender Anthony Markanich was fined for embellishment in the second half of a 2-1 loss to Atlanta United on Wednesday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.



Source link

About the Author

© 2026 Séduire Media. All rights reserved.

All editorial content, photography, video, graphics, recordings, and original reporting published by this publication are protected under applicable copyright laws.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, republished, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise exploited without prior written permission.

For licensing, syndication, photography rights, music rights, recording rights, or republication inquiries, contact: licensing@seduiremedia.com

© 2026 Séduire Media. All rights reserved.

All editorial content, photography, video, graphics, recordings, and original reporting published by this publication are protected under applicable copyright laws.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, republished, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise exploited without prior written permission.

For licensing, syndication, photography rights, music rights, recording rights, or republication inquiries, contact: licensing@seduiremedia.com