Lionel Messi and Ian Fray are fined over separate incidents involving Inter Miami teammates

News > Top Stories

Inter Miami CF offense Lionel Messi (10) kicks a penalty during the first half of an MLS soccer match against the Nashville SC, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Audio By Carbonatix

3:19 PM on Friday, August 21

The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Inter Miami's Lionel Messi and Ian Fray have been fined undisclosed amounts for making contact in the head and neck area of opponents in separate incidents during second-half stoppage time in a 2-2 draw against Philadelphia, MLS said Friday.

Messi slapped the Union's Quinn Sullivan on the back of the neck as the two exchanged words Wednesday night. Messi scored his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, and added an assist.

Sullivan also was involved in the fracas that led to Fray's fine. After Sullivan lost his footing dribbling into the penalty area, he got tangled with Fray, who then grabbed his neck. Sullivan jumped up and tackled Fray.

Minnesota United FC defender Anthony Markanich was fined for embellishment in the second half of a 2-1 loss to Atlanta United on Wednesday.

___

See AP’s full MLS coverage here