MLS fines Lionel Messi undisclosed amount for slapping Quinn Sullivan

MLS has fined Inter Miami's Lionel Messi an undisclosed amount for slapping Philadelphia Union's Quinn Sullivan on the back of the neck during their 2-2 draw on Wednesday night. Messi, who scored a goal and provided an assist in the match, exchanged words with Sullivan before the slap. Teammate Ian Fray also received an undisclosed fine for making contact with an opponent's neck in the same incident. MLS confirmed the fines on Friday after its Independent Review Panel reviewed the match.

The league also announced that the red card and one-game suspension initially given to Cavan Sullivan, Quinn's brother, have been rescinded. The panel voted unanimously to overturn that sanction after reviewing the off-the-ball scuffle that led to the dismissals of Miami's Yannick Bright and Cavan Sullivan.

For Nigerian football fans who follow Messi's career, the incident raises questions about on-field discipline and how star players are held accountable. It also highlights MLS's reliance on its review panel to adjust punishments after matches.

Given that the exact fine amounts were not disclosed, what do you think an appropriate penalty should be for a player of Messi's stature committing such an act, and should leagues publish disciplinary fines to increase transparency?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/22/mls-lionel-messi-fined-for-slapping-sullivan/