Major League Soccer has fined Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi following an off-the-ball altercation during Wednesday night's 2-2 draw against Philadelphia Union.
The MLS Disciplinary Committee reviewed video footage of the second-half incident on Friday and imposed an undisclosed financial penalty on the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. Messi avoided a suspension, leaving him eligible to play in Inter Miami's upcoming fixtures.
The incident occurred in the middle of the pitch when Messi became involved in a tense verbal exchange with Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan. Video footage showed Messi briefly swiping at and striking the back of Sullivan's neck before midfielder Yannick Bright and match officials stepped in to separate the pair.
Referee Filip Dujic had his back turned at the moment of contact and did not issue a yellow or red card on the field, allowing play to continue uninterrupted.
Inter Miami teammate Ian Fray was also handed an undisclosed fine by the league for a separate incident during the same chaotic stoppage-time period, after he grabbed Quinn Sullivan by the neck following a challenge inside the box.
The confrontation escalated further when 16-year-old Manchester City signee Cavan Sullivan stepped in to defend his older brother. The resulting multi-player scuffle led to referee Dujic issuing straight red cards to both Cavan Sullivan and Inter Miami's Yannick Bright.
Red card overturned on appeal
An independent review panel consisting of representatives from U.S. Soccer, Canada Soccer, and the Professional Referee Organization unanimously voted on Friday to rescind Cavan Sullivan's red card and one-game suspension. The decision makes the teenager available for Philadelphia's upcoming match against Austin FC.
The penalty marks the second time Messi has faced disciplinary action from MLS since joining the league in 2023. The Argentina captain was previously fined in February 2025 following a postmatch altercation with New York City FC assistant coach Medhi Ballouchy.
FIFA sanctions for Argentina teammates
News of Messi's league fine comes shortly after world football's governing body, FIFA, handed down severe punishments to his Argentina teammates following a fight at the end of the World Cup final against Spain.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes received a 10-match ban and a £65,000 fine after grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the neck, punching Gavi in the face, and pushing him to the ground during scenes at full time. The 32-year-old will miss Argentina's next ten international matches.
Teammate Nahuel Molina was handed a seven-match ban after hitting Spain captain Rodri in the torso as he ran past, prompting the midfielder to square up to his rival. Meanwhile, Argentina's Thiago Almada and Spain's Gavi will each serve one-match bans for their roles in the unsporting scenes.
