Major League Soccer has fined Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi an undisclosed amount for violating the league’s policy regarding hands to the face, head, or neck following an altercation in Wednesday's 2-2 draw with the Philadelphia Union.

The incident occurred during the second half of the contest when Messi and Philadelphia attacker Quinn Sullivan exchanged words off the ball in the center of the pitch. Video footage widely circulated on social media showed the Argentine forward making light contact with Sullivan's face before referee intervention and Miami midfielder Yannick Bright stepped in to separate the two. Messi was not cautioned on the field at the time.

Cavan Sullivan's Red Card Rescinded

Tensions boiled over again in second-half stoppage time when Sullivan and Inter Miami defender Ian Fray tussled off the ball. Bright intervened and was confronted by Sullivan’s 16-year-old younger brother, Cavan Sullivan. Bright made clear contact with the teenager's face, leading to straight red cards for both players.

However, MLS confirmed that an independent review panel—comprising representatives from U.S. Soccer, Canada Soccer, and an independent PRO-nominated official—voted unanimously to rescind the younger Sullivan's red card, one-game suspension, and accompanying fine. The Manchester City signee is now cleared and available for selection in Philadelphia's upcoming match against Austin FC on Saturday.

Second Disciplinary Fine for Messi

This sanction marks the second time Messi has faced league discipline since moving to MLS in 2023. His previous fine came in February 2025 after a post-match confrontation in which he grabbed New York City FC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy by the neck.

Following the 2-2 stalemate, Inter Miami remains second in the Eastern Conference standings, while the Philadelphia Union occupies 13th place after 20 matches.