Lionel Messi fined by MLS following physical altercation

Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer following a physical confrontation during Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw against the Philadelphia Union. During the final stages of the match, Messi made physical contact with Quinn Sullivan, striking him in the neck during a heated verbal exchange. While the referee did not issue a card during the incident, the MLS intervened post-match to impose a financial penalty, the amount of which has not been disclosed.

The match held significant emotional weight for Messi, as it marked his first goal since the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, who died at age 68 after a long illness. Messi shared a poignant tribute to his father on Instagram, describing him as both a father and a friend who provided unwavering support throughout his career. Following his goal, Messi dedicated the moment to his late father by pointing to the sky.