Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his third goal during the second half of a FIFA World Cup match against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 16, 2026. [UPI]
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his third goal during the second half of a FIFA World Cup match against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 16, 2026. [UPI]

Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer's disciplinary committee after slapping an opponent on the back of the neck during a league match.

According to AFP and other international news agencies, the MLS disciplinary committee announced Saturday that Messi had violated a rule prohibiting players from making contact with an opponent's face, head or neck. The exact fine amount was not disclosed.

The incident occurred Thursday during an away match against the Philadelphia Union, when Messi got into an argument near the midfield line with Philadelphia's Quinn Sullivan.

While expressing frustration over Sullivan's use of elbows, Messi struck Sullivan on the back of the neck with his left hand. An angry Sullivan then pressed his forehead against Messi's in a heated confrontation.

The referee did not see Messi strike Sullivan and issued no card at the time. The MLS disciplinary committee reviewed the incident after the final whistle and handed down the fine.


moon@heraldcorp.com