Lionel Messi fined by MLS after clash with Philadelphia Union player

Pennsylvania, United States, August 19, 2026 — Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer following his team’s 2-2 draw against the Philadelphia Union after an on-field confrontation with Quinn Sullivan.

The incident occurred late in Wednesday’s match at Subaru Park, when Messi struck Sullivan on the back of the head with his hand. Messi appeared to be reacting to an incident earlier in the play, claiming that Sullivan had elbowed him after passing the ball.

Sullivan reacted angrily to the contact, but the referee quickly stepped in to separate the players and prevent the confrontation from escalating.

MLS confirmed that Messi had been fined for his actions but did not reveal the amount of the financial penalty.

The match marked Messi’s first appearance for Inter Miami since the death of his father. He also scored Miami’s second goal as the two sides shared the points.

Messi was not the only Inter Miami player disciplined following the confrontation. Teammate Ian Fray was also fined by MLS after becoming involved in a separate incident with Sullivan.

Fray and Sullivan clashed after the Philadelphia player lost his balance and went down inside the penalty area. During the confrontation, Fray was seen grabbing Sullivan around the neck.

The heated match produced further disciplinary action in stoppage time. Inter Miami’s Yannick Bright and Philadelphia’s Cavan Sullivan, Quinn Sullivan’s younger brother, were both shown red cards.

Following a subsequent review, however, Cavan Sullivan’s one-match suspension was rescinded.

The disciplinary decisions came after a closely contested match that ended with both teams taking a point.