Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Lionel Messi Fined After Slapping Opponent During Heated MLS Clash
Lionel Messi was fined after an argument during an MLS soccer game.
The incident happened very late in the game, in the 101st minute.
Messi appeared upset during a heated exchange involving Quinn.
As Sullivan walked past Messi, Messi slapped him on the back of the head.
This caused another confrontation.
Ian Fray was also fined for a separate incident involving Sullivan.
Sullivan had lost his footing while moving into the penalty area.
The players then became tangled, and the situation escalated.
Lionel Messi was fined after slapping an opponent during an MLS contest.
The incident occurred in the 101st minute after a heated exchange involving Messi and Quinn.
Messi slapped Sullivan on the back of the head as Sullivan walked past him.
Ian Fray was separately fined for hitting Sullivan on the head.
The Fray-Sullivan incident followed a tangle after Sullivan lost his footing near the penalty area.
- Who
- Lionel Messi, Sullivan, Quinn, and Ian Fray were involved in the reported incidents.
- What
- Messi was fined for slapping Sullivan, while Fray was separately fined for hitting Sullivan on the head.
- When
- The Messi incident occurred in the 101st minute of the contest.
- Where
- The incidents took place during an MLS contest; no specific venue was identified.
- Why
- The Messi incident followed a heated exchange, while the Fray incident followed a tangle after Sullivan lost his footing near the penalty area.
- Primary incident
- Lionel Messi slapped Sullivan on the back of the head.
- Time
- The incident occurred in the 101st minute.
- Context
- Messi was involved in a heated exchange with Quinn before the slap.
- Additional fine
- Ian Fray was fined for hitting Sullivan on the head in a separate incident.
- Trigger of second incident
- Sullivan lost his footing while dribbling into the penalty area and became tangled with Fray.
- Escalation
- Fray grabbed Sullivan's neck, and Sullivan jumped up and tackled Fray.