The short version
- Lionel Messi received an undisclosed fine from Major League Soccer for striking Quinn Sullivan around the head during a recent match.
- The game ended in a 2-2 draw and featured two red cards, though one suspension was later rescinded following a league review.
- Inter Miami remains second in the Eastern Conference standings while Messi returns to play following his father's funeral.
Major League Soccer has imposed a financial penalty on Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi for violating league conduct policies during a recent match against the Philadelphia Union. The disciplinary committee cited an incident in which the Argentine striker made contact with an opponent using his hand, specifically targeting the head or neck area. This action occurred in the 101st minute of the contest, which concluded as a 2-2 draw at Subaru Park.
The altercation involved Quinn Sullivan, a midfielder for Philadelphia. According to reports, Messi reacted angrily after believing Sullivan had elbowed him following a play. The interaction escalated quickly, with Messi striking Sullivan around the back of the head. Referees intervened promptly to prevent further physical conflict between the two players, who had clashed repeatedly throughout the fixture.
The league confirmed the fine but did not disclose the specific monetary amount. This penalty is part of a broader disciplinary response to the chaotic nature of the match. Ian Fray, another Inter Miami player, also received a fine from MLS officials. Fray was penalized for grabbing Sullivan by the neck after the two became entangled when Sullivan lost his footing inside the penalty box.
The match itself was characterized by significant tension and poor discipline from both sides. In addition to the fines issued to Messi and Fray, the game saw two players sent off in stoppage time. Inter Miami’s Yannick Bright and Cavan Sullivan, Quinn’s brother, were both shown red cards for their actions during the final moments of play.
However, the disciplinary outcome for Cavan Sullivan has changed following a subsequent review by league officials. His initial one-game suspension was rescinded, meaning he will not miss upcoming matches despite the ejection. This reversal highlights the league’s process for reviewing on-field incidents after the fact, even as other penalties remain in place.
For Inter Miami, the result keeps them in second place in the Eastern Conference standings. They currently trail the league leaders, Nashville SC, by seven points. The draw ensures they remain within striking distance of the top spot as the season progresses, despite the on-field disruptions and subsequent disciplinary actions taken against key personnel.
The incident occurred during a particularly emotional period for Messi. The 39-year-old had recently returned to Miami after attending the funeral of his father, Jorge Messi, in Argentina. Jorge Messi, who was also Lionel’s agent, passed away at age 68 following a prolonged illness. His return to the pitch marked his first appearance since that personal loss.
Messi scored Inter Miami’s second goal during the match, finding the net for the first time since his father’s death. In tributes paid around the time of the funeral, Messi had suggested that he might not continue playing professional football for much longer. The physical nature of this recent game and the resulting fine add another layer of complexity to his current chapter in Major League Soccer.
The league’s statement emphasized the violation of policies regarding hands to the face, head, or neck of an opponent. This specific rule underscores MLS efforts to maintain player safety and reduce violent conduct during matches. The combination of fines and suspensions reflects a strict approach to managing player behavior, even in high-stakes or emotionally charged fixtures.
As Inter Miami looks ahead, the team must navigate the implications of these disciplinary measures while maintaining their competitive position in the conference. The rescinded suspension for Cavan Sullivan offers some relief for Philadelphia, but the fines for Messi and Fray serve as a reminder of the consequences for physical altercations on the field. The league continues to monitor such incidents closely.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Lionel Messi fined for slapping opposition player in MLS game
- BBC Sport↗Messi fined for slapping opponent in MLS game
