The MLS Disciplinary Committee has imposed a fine on Lionel Messi following an incident involving Quinn Sullivan, a player for the Philadelphia Union, during a recent league match. The exact amount of the fine remains undisclosed.
The altercation took place in the 101st+ minute of the match between Inter Miami CF and Philadelphia Union on August 19, which ended in a 2-2 draw. According to the league’s report, Messi violated the MLS policy concerning physical contact, specifically involving hands to an opponent’s face, head, or neck.
Incident Details and Match Context
During the late stages of the game, Messi confronted Sullivan and made contact by bringing his hand toward the Philadelphia player’s head. The referee intervened promptly to calm the situation. Despite the tense moment, Messi had earlier scored the goal that temporarily put Inter Miami ahead 2-1. This goal held particular emotional significance for Messi, as he dedicated it to his late father, Jorge Messi.