Messi in trouble? MLS hands him a fine after heated clash

Miami: Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer (MLS) following an on-field altercation with Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during Inter Miami's 2-2 draw, according to the league's disciplinary decision.

The incident occurred late in the match on August 19, when Messi and the 22-year-old Sullivan exchanged words. Messi was seen making contact with the back of Sullivan's head and neck. The referee did not issue a card at the time, but the incident was subsequently reviewed by the MLS Disciplinary Committee.

Messi was fined for violating MLS rules concerning contact with an opponent's face, head or neck. Inter Miami defender Ian Fray was also fined for a separate incident involving contact with Sullivan during the same match.

The match also produced disciplinary action involving Sullivan's younger brother, 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan. Cavan was sent off during a stoppage-time scuffle involving Inter Miami's Yannick Bright. However, an independent three-member review panel unanimously overturned the red card and the resulting one-match suspension.

The review panel comprised representatives from US Soccer, Canada Soccer and the Professional Referee Organisation. Cavan, who is set to join Manchester City after turning 18 in 2027, will therefore be available for Philadelphia's next match.

The latest fine marks the second time Messi has been sanctioned by MLS since joining Inter Miami in 2023. He was previously fined in February 2025 after a post-match confrontation involving New York City FC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy.

Despite the off-field disciplinary issue, Inter Miami remain focused on their MLS campaign. The club are currently second in the Eastern Conference with 39 points from 20 matches, behind leaders Nashville.