Lionel Messi Slaps an Opponent but Is Let Off the Hook: Controversy

Controversy in MLS following a controversial incident involving Argentine legend Lionel Messi. During the match between Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union, which ended in a 2-2 draw, the Albiceleste forward got into a scuffle with Philadelphia player Quinn Sullivan.

Toward the end of the match, the 39-year-old star slapped Sullivan on the back of the head, complaining that he had been elbowed by the Union player during an earlier play. Sullivan reacted angrily, and the two got into a heated confrontation before the referee separated them.

But the controversy erupted two days later: Major League Soccer decided to fine the player an undisclosed amount, which the American media considered a drop in the bucket compared to the former Barcelona star’s massive salary. The decision sparked controversy on social media, with many fans pointing out the disparity in treatment compared to other players.

Messi scored again against Philadelphia for the first time since his father’s passing following a long illness. “La Pulce,” deeply affected by his father’s passing, had poured out his heart in a social media post: “I don’t know what I’ll do without you; I don’t know how to move forward. Before, I just played soccer, and now I’m not sure I can keep going much longer. You’ve been by my side from the very beginning. We were so close to the end. Why didn’t you hold on a little longer, so we could finish it all together?”

Jorge Messi, a pivotal figure in the champion’s life and career, passed away on August 8 at the age of 68 in a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, where he had been hospitalized for some time. As Lionel’s first agent, he had accompanied him from his youth days at Newell’s Old Boys through his big move to Barcelona, and later managed all the commercial agreements during his subsequent transfers to PSG and Inter Miami, while always maintaining a low profile in the media.