Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer after making contact with Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during Inter Miami’s heated 2–2 draw against Philadelphia Union on August 19.
The incident happened deep into stoppage time, when Messi confronted Sullivan after believing the midfielder had elbowed him. During the exchange, Messi struck Sullivan around the back of the head and neck with an open hand. The referee did not issue a card at the time, but MLS later reviewed the incident.
Messi fined but not suspended
The MLS Disciplinary Committee determined that Messi had violated the league’s rule concerning contact with an opponent’s face, head or neck.
However, Messi escaped a suspension. The league has not revealed the amount of the fine, meaning he remains eligible to play for Inter Miami.
This is reportedly Messi’s second MLS disciplinary fine since joining Inter Miami. He was previously fined in 2025 following a confrontation involving a New York City FC assistant coach.
More players punished
Messi wasn’t the only Inter Miami player disciplined. Ian Fray was also fined after grabbing Sullivan around the neck during another confrontation.
Meanwhile, Cavan Sullivan, Quinn Sullivan’s 16-year-old brother, had his red card from the match overturned following an independent review, clearing him to play in Philadelphia’s next match.
