LIONEL MESSI has been fined by Major League Soccer after appearing to strike an opponent in the face during Inter Miami’s draw with Philadelphia Union.

The legend, 39, was punished over an off-the-ball clash with Union attacker Quinn Sullivan, 22.

MLS: Inter Miami CF at Philadelphia UnionLionel Messi has been fined by the MLS Credit: Reuters NINTCHDBPICT001102668646Messi was hit with a fine after striking 22-year-old opponent Quinn Sullivan in the face Credit: X formerly Twitter / @PhilaSJ_007 NINTCHDBPICT001102668663Sullivan reacted to the slap and went back towards Messi Credit: X formerly Twitter / @PhilaSJ_007 NINTCHDBPICT001102668666Referee Filip Dujic broke up the altercation. Credit: X formerly Twitter / @PhilaSJ_007

Footage circulated on social media showing the pair exchanging words near the halfway line during the second half of Wednesday’s 2-2 draw.

Messi then appeared to make contact with Sullivan’s face with his hand before referee Filip Dujic stepped in.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner escaped without a booking at the time and play was allowed to continue.

But later announced Messi had been handed an undisclosed fine for breaching its rules regarding contact with an opponent’s face, head or neck.

It is the second time the World Cup winner has been fined by the league since joining in 2023.

Messi was also hit in the pocket in February 2025 following a post-match confrontation with assistant coach Medhi Ballouchy, when he grabbed him around the neck during a heated exchange.

And his latest punishment comes just a day after Argentina were hit with a string of major sanctions over their behaviour at this summer’s World Cup.

over offences including team misconduct, discriminatory chants and gestures from supporters, security breaches and the disgraceful Falklands banner displayed following their semi-final victory over .

Saturday 22 August
Hull
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12:30
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Man Utd
Everton
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15:00
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Ipswich
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15:00
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Sunderland
Forest
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15:00
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Leeds
Brentford
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17:30
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Spurs
Sunday 23 August
Brighton
Brighton
14:00
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Villa
Friday 21 August
English Premier League P W D L GD Pts Form
1
1
1
0
0
3
3
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
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0
0
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5
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
0
0
0
0
0
0
8
0
0
0
0
0
0

Argentina were also ordered to play their next two home matches with crowds limited to 50 per cent capacity.

was handed a TEN-MATCH international ban over the ugly scenes following Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to , while received seven games, Thiago Almada one and assistant coach Roberto Ayala three.

Messi was not personally sanctioned during Argentina’s disgraceful behaviour at the World Cup.