Major League Soccer (MLS) has issued an undisclosed financial fine to Inter Miami star Lionel Messi following a heated incident during Wednesday night’s 2-2 draw against the Philadelphia Union. The disciplinary action stems from an off-the-ball exchange in the second half where Messi made contact with Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan.
Messi’s On-Field Incident and MLS Fine
The confrontation occurred away from the play, with video footage showing Messi briefly swiping at the back of Sullivan’s neck. The situation quickly drew the attention of other players and officials, with Philadelphia midfielder Yannick Bright and match officials intervening to separate the two players. Crucially, the on-field referee, Filip Dujic, did not witness the contact directly as his back was turned, and therefore no card was issued during the match, allowing play to resume without interruption.
Following a review by the MLS Disciplinary Committee on Friday, the league opted to impose a financial penalty on Messi. This decision ensures that the Argentine maestro remains eligible for Inter Miami’s upcoming matches, avoiding a potential suspension that would have sidelined him.
Related Incidents and Escalation
The match itself was marked by several contentious moments. In the same stoppage-time period, Inter Miami’s Ian Fray also received an undisclosed fine from the league. This separate incident involved Fray grabbing Quinn Sullivan by the neck after a challenge inside the penalty area.
The altercation involving Messi and Quinn Sullivan also saw the involvement of Quinn’s younger brother, 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan, who is a Manchester City signee. Cavan reportedly stepped in to defend his older brother, which contributed to a larger scuffle involving multiple players. This melee resulted in red cards being shown to Cavan Sullivan and Inter Miami’s Yannick Bright.
Red Card Rescinded for Youngster
However, the disciplinary aftermath saw a significant development regarding Cavan Sullivan’s dismissal. An independent review panel, comprising representatives from U.S. Soccer, Canada Soccer, and the Professional Referee Organization, unanimously voted to rescind the red card and the subsequent one-game suspension for the teenager. This ruling makes Cavan Sullivan available for Philadelphia’s next fixture against Austin FC.
Messi’s Disciplinary Record in MLS
This fine represents the second instance of disciplinary action against Lionel Messi since his arrival in MLS in 2023. Previously, in February 2025, he was fined for an incident following a match against New York City FC, involving an altercation with assistant coach Medhi Ballouchy.
Context of International Disciplinary Actions
The news of Messi’s fine comes amidst a backdrop of significant disciplinary measures handed out by FIFA to other international stars. Notably, Messi’s Argentina teammate, Leandro Paredes, received a 10-match ban for his role in a post-World Cup final altercation with Spain. During that incident, Paredes reportedly grabbed an opponent by the neck and punched another player. Another Argentina player, Nahuel Molina, was given a seven-game suspension for his involvement in the same fracas. Spain’s Gavi and Argentina’s Thiago Almada also received one-match bans for their conduct during the heated post-match scenes.
Conclusion
The MLS has taken disciplinary action against Lionel Messi, issuing a financial fine rather than a suspension for his interaction with Quinn Sullivan. While the incident did not result in on-field cards, the league’s review led to a penalty that allows Messi to continue playing. The match itself was characterized by several heated moments, including other player altercations and a controversial red card that was later rescinded for a young player.
