Lionel Messi has received an undisclosed fine after slapping an opponent during a recent fixture.
The 39-year-old remains in strong form during the 2026 MLS season, recording 13 goals and eight assists across 17 appearances.
Messi recently returned to club action after helping Argentina reach the 2026 World Cup final earlier this summer.
He scored eight goals and provided four assists during the tournament before Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time.
However, attention has now shifted towards an off-the-ball incident during Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw against Philadelphia Union.
Messi exchanged words with Quinn Sullivan during the second half after becoming involved in a confrontation away from the ball.
Video footage showed the Inter Miami forward making contact with the Philadelphia Union attacker’s face and head area.
The match officials did not punish Messi during the game, and play continued without him receiving a caution.
However, footage of the incident circulated widely across social media and eventually resulted in disciplinary action from the league.
According to The Athletic, MLS fined Lionel Messi an undisclosed amount for violating its policy regarding hands to the face, head or neck.
The league decided against suspending Messi, meaning the punishment remains limited to a financial sanction.
The incident represents the second time MLS has fined Messi since he joined the competition in 2023.
His previous undisclosed fine came in February 2025 following a post-match confrontation with New York City FC assistant Medhi Ballouchy.
During that incident, Messi approached Ballouchy and grabbed him by the neck while the pair briefly argued.
Meanwhile, another disciplinary decision emerged from the same Inter Miami match after Philadelphia’s Cavan Sullivan received a red card.
An independent review panel later rescinded Sullivan’s one-game suspension and fine following a unanimous decision.
For Messi, however, the latest punishment stands after MLS reviewed his contact with Quinn Sullivan during the heated encounter.
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