Lionel Messi has been fined for slapping an opposing player during an MLS fixture.The Inter Miami star appeared to lash out at Philadelphia Union’s Quinn Sullivan during the match between the two teams on Wednesday.Lionel Messi was embroiled in a tense exchange with an opposing player on WednesdayGettyMessi was infuriated after Sullivan appeared to elbow him after he had played the ball.The pair became embroiled in a tense exchange during the second half of Wednesday’s 2-2 draw.Messi’s hand then appeared to make contact with Sullivan’s face before referee Filip Dujic stepped in to try to settle the conflict.The Argentine was lucky to escape without a booking at the time with the game quickly resuming.But the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was retrospectively sanctioned by MLS for breaching its rules regarding contact with an opponent’s face, head or neck.A costly incident MLS later announced Messi had been handed an undisclosed fine for breaching its rules regarding contact with an opponent’s face, head or neck.A statement on the competition’s website read: “The MLS disciplinary committee has fined Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi an undisclosed amount for violating the league’s policy regarding hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent in the 101st minute of Miami’s match against the Philadelphia Union on 19 August.”The ill-tempered clash saw the referee brandish two red cards late on with Inter Miami’s Yannick Bright and Sullivan’s brother, Cavan, both dismissed in the dying moments.It is the second sanction handed out to Messi since his arrival in MLS in 2023.The 39-year-old was fined back in February 2025 following a post-match fracas with New York City FC assistant coach Medhi Ballouchy.An angry Messi lashed out at Sullivan during the matchsujoyThe pair then squared up in the heated exchangesujoyOn that occasion, Messi was penalised for grabbing Ballouchy around the neck during a tense exchange.Inter Miami are currently second in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind leaders Nashville.Messi and co are aiming for a historic back-to-back MLS Cup success this season, following on from their maiden title last December.The ex-Barcelona star recently returned to Miami following the tragic passing of his father.Jorge Messi, died two weeks ago aged 68 following a long illness and as a result, Messi admitted he may not continue his football career for much longer.It came just weeks after Messi’s Argentina were beaten 1-0 by Spain in the World Cup final, capping off a difficult summer for the star both on and off the pitch.