Sports News of Saturday, 22 August 2026

Source: www.dailypost.ng

MLS: Lionel Messi fined for slapping Sullivan

Inter Miami superstar, Lionel Messi has been fined for slapping Philadelphia Union’s Quinn Sullivan on the head.

Both Messi and Ian Fray were fined undisclosed amounts, as the latter also made contact with an opponent’s neck during the 2-2 draw.

This was confirmed by MLS on Friday.

Messi scored one goal and provided an assist for the second in the game.

But he then slapped the Union’s Sullivan on the back of the neck as the two exchanged words on Wednesday night.

Sullivan was also involved in the fracas that led to Fray’s fine.

The game ended with a pair of red cards in stoppage time for Miami’s Yannick Bright and Quinn Sullivan’s brother, Cavan, following a scuffle off the ball. However, MLS said on Friday that it was rescinding the red card and one-game suspension handed to Cavan Sullivan.

The league said its Independent Review Panel had voted unanimously to overturn Sullivan’s sanction.