MLS Fines Messi for Post-Match Clash with Philadelphia Player

Major League Soccer has fined Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi an undisclosed amount for violating league policy regarding contact with an opponent’s head and neck area, following an altercation with Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during Wednesday’s 2-2 draw at Subaru Park.

The incident occurred deep into second-half stoppage time when Messi confronted Sullivan near the centre circle, appearing to strike the 22-year-old on the back of the neck after a brief exchange.

Referee Filip Dujic had his back turned during the incident and took no action on the field.

The MLS Disciplinary Committee reviewed video footage and determined Messi had violated league rules prohibiting hands to an opponent’s face, head or neck.

The Argentine superstar escaped a suspension and remains available for Saturday’s fixture against Toronto.

Inter Miami defender Ian Fray was also fined an undisclosed amount for a separate incident involving Quinn Sullivan, after grabbing the midfielder around the neck following a collision in the box.

In a related development, the MLS Independent Review Panel unanimously rescinded the red card and one-match suspension issued to Philadelphia’s Cavan Sullivan, Quinn’s younger brother, who was sent off alongside Miami’s Yannick Bright during the same stoppage-time melee.

This marks the second time Messi has been fined by MLS since joining the league in 2023, having previously received a financial penalty in February 2025 for grabbing a New York City FC assistant coach by the neck.

The 39-year-old scored Inter Miami’s second goal in the match and dedicated his celebration to his late father, Jorge Messi.