Two days ago, Messi punched his opponent in the head with his hand.

Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer (MLS) following an incident during a match against Philadelphia Union on Wednesday. The disciplinary commission announced the sanction, which includes a financial penalty, though the exact amount was not disclosed. The Argentine star will not face suspension and will remain available for Inter Miami’s upcoming fixtures. The incident occurred in the 101st minute of the 2–2 draw. According to reports, Messi struck Philadelphia’s Quinn Sullivan with his open hand on the back of the head or neck area. Sullivan then turned toward Messi, leading to a confrontation between the two players. Referee Filip Dujic did not see the action because he was facing away at the time. He attempted to separate the players but did not issue a yellow card. The situation was later reviewed by the MLS disciplinary committee. Earlier reports detailed another altercation involving Messi and Sullivan. During a verbal exchange, Messi hit Sullivan with his palm on the rear part of the head or neck. Sullivan responded by turning towards Messi, resulting in a face-to-face confrontation. The referee failed to notice the contact due to his position, and no disciplinary action was taken immediately. The case was subsequently referred to the league’s disciplinary commission. In addition to Messi, teammate Ian Fray received a fine for a separate incident during the same match. Fray violated the same MLS rule prohibiting hand contact with an opponent's head or neck. His penalty, like Messi’s, was not publicly disclosed. This marks the second time Messi has faced such a sanction under MLS rules. In February 2025, he was fined after grabbing a member of the opposing team’s technical staff around the neck during a match against New York City FC. Again, the fine amount remained confidential. The MLS rule in question prohibits any form of contact using the hands or arms directed at an opponent’s head, neck, or face. Such actions are considered dangerous and can lead to penalties ranging from fines to suspensions depending on the severity and frequency of violations. While Messi’s actions were not deemed serious enough to warrant a suspension, they still triggered a formal investigation and subsequent fine. The match itself saw Inter Miami secure a 2–2 draw with Philadelphia Union. Both teams showed resilience throughout the game, with key moments contributing to the stalemate. Despite the disciplinary issues, the focus remained on the competitive aspects of the contest. Fans and analysts have noted that while such incidents are unfortunate, they are part of the unpredictable nature of professional sports. Inter Miami continues its campaign in the MLS, with Messi playing a central role in both attack and playmaking. The club will look to maintain its momentum in the coming weeks, particularly with several high-profile matches ahead. The disciplinary action serves as a reminder of the strict enforcement of conduct rules within the league, even for its most celebrated players. As the season progresses, maintaining discipline alongside performance will be crucial for the team’s success.