Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer after striking Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during a heated 2-2 draw between the teams Wednesday.
The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward was penalized by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for violating the league’s policy prohibiting contact with an opponent’s face, head or neck. The incident occurred in the 101st minute at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, deep into second-half stoppage time.
Messi appeared frustrated after Sullivan seemingly caught him with an elbow following a challenge. As the players exchanged words, Messi reached behind Sullivan and made contact with the back of his head or neck with an open-handed slap.
The confrontation did not immediately result in a card, but the league reviewed the incident and announced the fine Friday.
"The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi an undisclosed amount for violating the league’s policy regarding hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent,” the league said.
The incident was one of several flashpoints in a chaotic finish that produced two red cards.
Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright and Philadelphia teenager Cavan Sullivan, Quinn’s younger brother, were sent off in stoppage time after becoming involved in a confrontation. Cavan Sullivan had moved toward the dispute involving his brother before Bright made contact with his face.
Philadelphia successfully appealed Sullivan’s red card Friday. An Independent Review Panel, made up of representatives from U.S. Soccer, Canada Soccer and the Professional Referee Organization, unanimously voted to rescind his one-game suspension and accompanying fine.
The decision means Sullivan remains eligible to play for Philadelphia in its next match at Austin FC on Saturday.
MLS clubs are allowed two unsuccessful appeals during the season, including the playoffs. Because Philadelphia won its appeal, it retains both of its unsuccessful appeals for the remainder of 2026.
Messi was not the only Inter Miami player punished for his involvement in the match. 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 become increasingly physical before the late incidents, with tempers repeatedly flaring between the teams.
Despite the controversy, Inter Miami left Philadelphia with a point and remained second in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind Nashville SC.
Messi scored in the match, his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi.
The latest punishment is Messi’s second financial sanction from MLS since he joined Inter Miami in 2023. He was previously fined an undisclosed amount in February 2025 after a post-match confrontation in which he grabbed the neck of a New York City FC assistant coach.
Neither Messi nor Fray received a suspension for the latest incident, leaving both available for future matches.
MLS also announced separate disciplinary measures Friday. Toronto FC defender Walker Zimmerman was fined an undisclosed amount for failing to leave the field promptly after receiving 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 loss to Atlanta United.