Lionel Messi fined for striking opponent in Inter Miami MLS game

SaveSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkInter Miami's Lionel Messi was part of the Argentina side that lost the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain [Butch Dill/AP]By ReutersPublished On 22 Aug 202622 Aug 2026The Major League Soccer (MLS) Disciplinary Committee ‌has fined superstar Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi an undisclosed ⁠amount for violating ⁠the league’s policy on hands to the face, head or neck of an opponent, the league has announced.The incident occurred in the 101st minute of Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw with the host Philadelphia Union on ⁠Wednesday in Chester.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Mourinho begins second Real reign in Barca but not against old rivalslist 2 of 4Top 10 players to watch in the 2026-27 European football seasonlist 3 of 4La Liga: The key talking points for Real Madrid before the 2026-27 seasonlist 4 of 4La Liga: Five key talking points heading into Barcelona’s 2026-27 seasonend of listMLS also fined Inter Miami defender Ian Fray for the same violation. Tempers flared deep in second-half stoppage time as Miami’s Yannick Bright and Philadelphia’s Cavan Sullivan were shown ‌red cards.Sullivan got good news on Friday, when his one-game suspension and accompanying fine for the red card were rescinded. The Independent Review Panel, consisting of one representative from US Soccer, one representative from Canada Soccer and one independent representative nominated by the Professional Referee Organization, unanimously voted in Sullivan’s ⁠favour for the incident in the 102nd minute.Sullivan ⁠is now eligible to play for the Union in their next match, on Saturday at Austin FC. Each MLS club is entitled to two unsuccessful ⁠appeals per season, including the league playoffs. Philadelphia, successful in its appeal on Sullivan’s red ⁠card, still has two unsuccessful appeals ⁠for 2026.MLS also fined Toronto FC defender Walker Zimmerman an undisclosed amount for failing to leave the field in a timely manner after being shown ‌a red card in the 56th minute of a 3-3 home draw with Charlotte FC on Wednesday.Minnesota United FC defender ‌Anthony ‌Markanich was fined for violating league policy on simulation/embellishment in the 71st minute of a 2-1 loss to Atlanta United on Wednesday.