Messi Scores First Goal Since Father's Death in Philadelphia
Messi scored first goal since father's death, demonstrating resilience amid personal and team challenges.
Event / Sports
Lionel Messi MLS Incidents
Lionel Messi receives fine from MLS for striking opponent during match; Inter Miami draws with Philadelphia as team struggles with poor form and Messi faces personal difficulties following his father's death.
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2026-08-22 to 2026-11-09 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 22 Aug, 13:51 UTC
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What happened
Lionel Messi scores first goal since father's death
Lionel Messi scored a goal during the Inter Miami vs Philadelphia match, marking his first goal since the death of his father Jorge Messi on August 8.
Inter Miami remains winless in four consecutive matches
Inter Miami extended its winless streak to four matches with the 2-2 draw against Philadelphia. The team is seven points behind Nashville, the leader of the Eastern Conference.
Lionel Messi fined by MLS for striking opponent in face
Lionel Messi was fined by the MLS disciplinary commission for striking Philadelphia Union player Quinn Sullivan in the face during the final minutes of a match between Inter Miami and Philadelphia. The match ended 2-2. The commission cited violations for hand strikes to the face/head/neck of an opponent. The referee, who had his back turned at the time, did not issue a red card but separated the players.
Messi previously fined in February 2025 for incident with New York City FC assistant coach
In February 2025, Lionel Messi was fined by MLS for placing his hand on the neck of Mehdi Ballouchy, an assistant coach for New York City FC.
Inter Miami player Cavan Sullivan and Yannick Bright expelled during match
Cavan Sullivan, a Philadelphia Union midfielder and younger brother of Quinn Sullivan, was expelled from the Inter Miami vs Philadelphia match after an altercation in Miami's penalty area during stoppage time. Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright was also sent off following another scuffle in the penalty area.
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2 alternative perspectives
Inter Miami's Winless Streak Deepens Amid Disciplinary Issues
Inter Miami expelled two players mid-match while struggling through a four-game winless stretch.
Messi Fined Again; Second Disciplinary Action in Months
Messi fined twice in months; latest for striking opponent in face.