The disciplinary action follows the 2-2 draw between Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union on August 19, which saw several confrontations between players. The MLS Disciplinary Committee confirmed that Messi was fined for putting his hand on an opponent, although the amount of the fine was not disclosed.
During the match, Messi and Sullivan were involved in a confrontation after Messi alleged that the Philadelphia midfielder had elbowed him following a pass. The referee intervened and separated the two players, but tensions remained high.
Messi later appeared to slap Sullivan lightly on the neck, prompting another confrontation before the referee stepped in again. Under MLS rules, placing a hand on an opponent’s face, head or neck during a match is considered a disciplinary violation.
Inter Miami player Ian Fray was also fined for his involvement in the confrontation with Sullivan.
Tensions escalated further in stoppage time, when players from both sides became involved in a physical altercation. Inter Miami’s Yannick Bright and Philadelphia Union’s Quinn Sullivan were shown red cards, although Sullivan’s red card was later rescinded following a review.
The match ended 2-2, with Messi scoring one of Inter Miami’s goals. It was his second goal for the club in the league.
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 and was later reunited with former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets, Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba at the Major League Soccer club.
