MLS fines Messi for head contact in fiery Philadelphia draw

Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer (MLS) for making contact with Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during a contentious 2-2 draw between the teams on Wednesday. The incident took place at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, in the 101st minute of stoppage time, adding to a volatile atmosphere that saw multiple red cards issued in the final moments of the match. Messi, 39, was penalized by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for violating the league's policy against contact with an opponent’s face, head, or neck. According to reports, Messi appeared frustrated after Sullivan seemingly caught him with an elbow during a challenge. As tensions rose, Messi reached behind Sullivan and made contact with the back of his head or neck using an open-handed slap. While the confrontation did not result in an immediate yellow card, the league reviewed the incident and announced the fine on Friday. The match was marked by escalating tension, culminating in two red cards. Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright and Philadelphia teenager Cavan Sullivan, who is Quinn Sullivan’s younger brother, were sent off in stoppage time. Cavan Sullivan had approached the dispute involving his brother before Bright made contact with his face. However, Philadelphia successfully appealed Sullivan’s red card on Friday. An Independent Review Panel, composed of representatives from U.S. Soccer, Canada Soccer, and the Professional Referee Organization, unanimously decided to rescind his one-game suspension and associated fine. This ruling ensures that Sullivan will be eligible to participate in Philadelphia’s next match against Austin FC on Saturday. MLS clubs are permitted two unsuccessful appeals per season, and because Philadelphia secured its appeal, it retains both remaining appeals for the rest of 2026. In addition to Messi, another Inter Miami player faced disciplinary action. Defender Ian Fray was also fined an undisclosed amount for violating the league’s hands-to-the-face, head, or neck policy during a separate confrontation with Quinn Sullivan. The match had already turned physical earlier in the game, with frequent clashes between the teams contributing to the charged environment. Despite the controversies, Inter Miami managed to secure a point and remain second in the Eastern Conference, trailing Nashville SC by seven points. Messi scored in the match, marking his first goal since the passing of his father, Jorge Messi. This latest sanction is the second financial penalty Messi has received from MLS since joining Inter Miami in 2023. In February 2025, he was fined an undisclosed sum after grabbing the neck of a New York City FC assistant coach during a post-match altercation. Neither Messi nor Fray received suspensions for their actions, meaning they remain available for upcoming matches. On Friday, MLS also announced additional disciplinary measures. Toronto FC defender Walker Zimmerman was fined for failing to leave the field promptly after being shown a red card in a 3-3 draw with Charlotte FC. Minnesota United defender Anthony Markanich was fined for simulation or embellishment during a 2-1 defeat to Atlanta United.