# Messi Fined by MLS for Slapping Bangladesh-Origin Player Quinn Sullivan

> Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has been fined by MLS for slapping Philadelphia Union player Quinn Sullivan during their 2-2 draw. Messi struck Sullivan on the back of the neck during a second-half confrontation. Inter Mi…

Published: 2026-09-20 · Desk: Latest · Source: ESPN

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer (MLS) for slapping Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during their 2-2 draw on Wednesday.

The incident occurred in second-half stoppage time as Messi and Sullivan exchanged words, with Messi appearing to slap the back of Sullivan’s neck. Messi had earlier scored and assisted in the match.

MLS also fined Inter Miami’s Ian Fray for grabbing Sullivan by the neck in a separate incident. Meanwhile, the league’s Independent Review Panel unanimously overturned the red card and one-match suspension issued to Quinn’s brother, Cavan Sullivan.

Original reporting: https://www.espn.in/football/story/_/id/49684889/lionel-messi-mls-fine-philadelphia-union-ian-fray?fbclid=IwY2xjawT2LlBwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMVMybzNobTVVM3hvN0ptdUZzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeftPn_sR0fj177syi2HPqiZfy81YR_9H_hCcg0xOyKX-4cKCoEHiLVvpt4P0_aem_lHkZ3vICQU265_1FNM8t6A
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