RismadarVoice Reporters, August 22, 2026
Major League Soccer has fined Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi an undisclosed amount for striking Philadelphia Union player Quinn Sullivan during their 2-2 draw on Wednesday.
The league’s disciplinary committee imposed the fine after determining that Messi violated its policy prohibiting players from making contact with an opponent’s face, head or neck.
The incident occurred late in stoppage time when Messi approached Sullivan near the centre circle while play continued elsewhere on the pitch.
Following a brief exchange between the players, Messi appeared to swipe at Sullivan’s neck, prompting the Philadelphia player to confront the Argentine in a tense face-off.
The referee, Filip Dujic, did not witness the initial contact and therefore did not issue either player a card.
Inter Miami defender Ian Fray was also fined an undisclosed amount for a similar violation.
Dujic later sent off Philadelphia’s Cavan Sullivan, Quinn’s younger brother and teammate, and Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright following a separate stoppage-time confrontation in Miami’s penalty area.
The disciplinary action comes as MLS continues to enforce its rules against physical contact involving players’ heads and necks.
