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Messi Fined for Slapping Sullivan in 101st Minute

8/22/2026

Summary

Messi Fined

Lionel Messi was fined by Major League Soccer for slapping Quinn Sullivan during a 101st-minute incident.
The undisclosed fine followed a 2-2 draw on August 19.
Inter Miami defender Ian Fray received a separate fine for grabbing Sullivan’s neck in the later scuffle.
An independent panel later lifted Cavan Sullivan’s one-game suspension and fine.

Summary

Messi scores

Inter Miami remain seven points behind Nashville in the Supporters’ Shield race after their draw.
Coach Guillermo Hoyos said the squad will rest before facing Toronto FC within 72 hours.
Dayne St. Clair replaced Ríos Novo after a series of costly goal-keeping errors.
Lionel Messi’s 13th league goal moved him to second on the MLS scoring chart, three behind Petar Musa.

History

Historical Context

When the United States hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup, FIFA and USSF launched Major League Soccer in 1996 to capitalize on soaring interest. The fledgling league signed global star David Beckham in 2007, paying a reported $250 million contract that forced MLS to adopt stricter player-conduct policies. Today, Inter Miami’s disciplinary fines against Lionel Messi and Ian Fray echo the league’s early enforcement actions that once penalized high-profile players for on-field altercations. These precedents ensure MLS maintains consistent sanctions, shaping league credibility, attracting sponsors, and influencing upcoming Supporters’ Shield battles across the 2024 season.

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Messi Fined

Lionel Messi was fined by Major League Soccer for slapping Quinn Sullivan during a 101st-minute incident.
The undisclosed fine followed a 2-2 draw on August 19.
Inter Miami defender Ian Fray received a separate fine for grabbing Sullivan’s neck in the later scuffle.
An independent panel later lifted Cavan Sullivan’s one-game suspension and fine.

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