Messi fined by MLS for striking opponent; Cavan Sullivan’s red card rescinded

Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount by MLS for violating the league’s policy regarding hands to the face/head/neck. The incident took place during the second half of Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw versus the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday.

In a video that was widely circulated on social media, Messi and Union attacker Quinn Sullivan exchanged words off the ball in the middle of the field. Messi appears to lightly slap Sullivan in the face before the two are separated by the referee and Miami midfielder Yannick Bright. Play continued, and Messi was not cautioned.

Additionally, during second-half stoppage time, Sullivan and Miami defender Ian Fray tussled off the ball. Bright intervened and was met by Sullivan’s younger brother Cavan. The 16-year-old Manchester City signee took offense to Bright’s handling of the situation. Bright clearly made contact with Sullivan’s face. Both players were shown straight red cards.

According to a statement from MLS, an independent review panel voted unanimously to rescind Sullivan’s one-game suspension and fine for the red card he received. The highly touted teenager will be available for Philadelphia’s game against Austin FC on Saturday.

The panel consisted of representatives from U.S Soccer and Canada Soccer and one independent representative who was nominated by the Professional Referee Organization.

This is the second time that Messi has been fined by MLS since he joined the league in 2023.

His first undisclosed fine came in February 2025 after a postmatch confrontation with New York City FC assistant Medhi Ballouchy. Messi approached Ballouchy and grabbed him by the neck as the two briefly quarreled.

Inter Miami sits second in the Eastern Conference while Philadelphia is in 13th after 20 matches.