MLS Fines Lionel Messi Over Quinn Sullivan Incident

Major League Soccer has fined Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi an undisclosed amount for an incident involving Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan. The Guardian reported that the league's disciplinary committee acted after Messi caught Sullivan around the back of the head during Wednesday's 2-2 draw at Subaru Park.

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The incident occurred in the 101st minute of the match on August 19. According to the MLS disciplinary statement cited by The Guardian, Messi violated the league's policy covering contact with the face, head or neck of an opponent. The amount of the fine was not released, and the report did not announce a suspension for the 39-year-old Argentina forward.

The confrontation followed a challenge between the two players. The Guardian reported that Messi appeared angry after Sullivan elbowed him once the ball had been played. The referee intervened before the exchange developed further. MLS subsequently reviewed the incident and imposed its financial sanction through the disciplinary committee.

The same match produced further disciplinary action during a heated period of stoppage time. Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright and Philadelphia's Cavan Sullivan, Quinn Sullivan's brother, were both shown red cards late in the game. Miami defender Ian Fray was also fined by MLS following a separate clash with Quinn Sullivan. The amount of Fray's penalty was not specified in the report.

The result left Inter Miami second in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind conference leader Nashville, according to The Guardian's report. The draw and its disciplinary aftermath therefore arrived while Miami remained near the top of the standings. MLS disclosed the policy violation and the timing of Messi's incident while keeping the financial terms private, meaning the confirmed punishment is limited to an undisclosed fine rather than any announced playing ban.