Inter Miami star Lionel Messi was fined by MLS for an unsportsmanlike act after slapping Philadelphia Union’s Quinn Sullivan on the back of the head during a 2-2 draw, with the incident occurring late in stoppage time.

Officials did not see the incident on the field, and no card was issued at the time of the match.

The game also featured two red cards in total, and Sullivan’s brother Cavan Sullivan had a one-game suspension overturned after a review.

The article provides related sports news items and results from other matches and events.

Tributes to Messi’s late father from FC Barcelona are noted, alongside ongoing coverage of Messi’s personal loss.

The incident occurred last Thursday, with the piece available in English translation and the original German link provided.

The report places the incident in a broader context of sanctions announced by FIFA related to Argentina players, with coverage referenced from BBC Sport and others.

Philadelphia Union’s successful appeal does not count toward the league’s two-appeal-per-season limit.

Union have at least one successful appeal in 2026 and retain two unsuccessful appeals, with Sullivan’s reversal not affecting their appeal credits.

MLS policy on hands to the face/head/neck is reiterated and applied in these high-tension moments.

The incident occurred in Chester during stoppage time of a Wednesday match, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The match heightened emotions and underscored ongoing discipline concerns for both teams as the season progresses.