{
  "id": 2568145,
  "title": "Lionel Messi fined after slapping opponent in heated MLS clash",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/lionel-messi-fined-after-slapping-opponent-in-heated-mls-clash",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-22T10:35:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/sports/2026/08/22/lionel-messi-fined-after-slapping-opponent-in-heated-mls-clash/232328"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi has been fined by the MLS disciplinary committee for slapping an opponent during an MLS game, according to PA Media/dpa. The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward lashed out at Philadelphia Union's Quinn Sullivan during a match played on Wednesday, catching the Philadelphia midfielder on the back of the head. The referee intervened to prevent the situation from escalating further. The match ended in a 2-2 draw at Subaru Park.\n\nMessi's actions followed an incident where Sullivan had elbowed Messi while playing the ball. The referee's intervention helped to de-escalate the situation before it could become more serious. The incident occurred in the 101st minute of the game. A statement on the MLS website explained that Messi had been fined an undisclosed amount for violating the league's policy regarding hands to the face, head, or neck of an opponent.\n\nThe match at Subaru Park saw additional controversy as both Yannick Bright of Miami and Cavan Sullivan of Philadelphia were dismissed with red cards in stoppage time. Miami's Ian Fray was also fined by the MLS for clashing with Sullivan. Currently, Miami sits in second place in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind the leading team, Nashville.",
  "summary": "LONDON, Aug 22 — Lionel Messi has been fined for slapping an opponent during a Major League Soccer game, reported...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "World : Lionel Messi Fined For Making Contact With Opponent",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/world-lionel-messi-fined-for-making-contact-with-opponent",
        "published": "2026-08-22T09:10:14.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}