The Major League Soccer Disciplinary Committee has fined Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi an undisclosed amount for violating league policy regarding the use of hands to the face, head, or neck of an opponent, according to an official league announcement reported by multiple outlets. The incident occurred during stoppage time—specifically in the 101st minute—of Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw against the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania.
Replays reviewed by the disciplinary body showed the Argentine star delivering a light blow or slap to the back of Sullivan’s head and neck. While the match referee did not issue a card during the game, subsequent video review prompted the league’s disciplinary action.
The penalty is strictly financial. The MLS did not impose any suspension or match bans on Messi, meaning the forward remains fully eligible for Inter Miami’s upcoming fixtures. The team’s next match is scheduled for Saturday at Chase Stadium against Toronto FC.
Disciplinary History and Teammate Penalties
This marks the second time Messi has received a fine from the MLS disciplinary committee since his arrival in the league in the summer of 2023. His first financial penalty came in February 2025 following a post-match altercation with New York City FC assistant coach Medhi Ballouchy, with both fines sharing the common trait of an undisclosed monetary amount.
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The Wednesday night fixture in Pennsylvania yielded additional disciplinary consequences for Inter Miami. Defender Ian Fray was also fined an undisclosed sum by the league for a separate physical interaction involving Sullivan during the same sequence of events in stoppage time. According to coverage from La Razón, Sullivan had earlier tangled with Fray near the penalty area before a separate scuffle broke out involving Messi.
On-Field Impact and Standings Context
Before the late-game disciplinary flashpoints, Messi contributed significantly to Inter Miami’s offensive output during the 2-2 draw. The 39-year-old forward scored his team’s second goal in the 26th minute—marking his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi—and later provided an assist.
Messi has now accumulated 93 goals in 109 official appearances across all competitions for Inter Miami, including MLS regular-season matches, the Concacaf Champions Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the Leagues Cup. Since joining the club from Paris Saint-Germain, he has helped secure three major trophies: the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and the 2025 MLS Cup.
In the Eastern Conference standings, Inter Miami currently holds second place with 39 points, trailing conference leaders Nashville SC by seven points as the regular season progresses.
Inter Miami returns to action on Saturday to face Toronto FC at Chase Stadium, where Messi will be available to line up without any disciplinary impediments.
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