Major League Soccer (MLS) has imposed a financial penalty on star forward Lionel Messi following an on-field altercation. The incident occurred during an intense match between Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union on August 19, where Messi was observed striking opponent Quinn Sullivan. Additionally, Inter Miami teammate Ian Fray also received a monetary fine for violent conduct involving contact with an opposing player’s head and neck.
Reports indicate that Messi made contact with Philadelphia Union’s Quinn Sullivan from behind, striking him in the neck area. This physical confrontation reportedly stemmed from a verbal exchange between the two players on the pitch during their Major League Soccer fixture.
The contentious match saw significant action, including Messi scoring his inaugural goal since a personal loss and providing an assist to a teammate. Later in the game, Quinn Sullivan was again involved in a separate contentious incident, this time with Inter Miami’s Ian Fray. Sullivan was observed tripping Fray inside the penalty box, leading to both players falling to the ground. While on the turf, Fray reportedly grabbed Sullivan by the neck. Sullivan quickly rose, subsequently engaging in another confrontation with Fray, further escalating the tension during the match.
The match ultimately concluded in a heated and violent manner, featuring two red cards. Following a review of the incidents, MLS announced that Cavan Sullivan, identified as Quinn Sullivan’s brother, who was also involved in the match’s disputes, received a red card and a subsequent one-match suspension. Both Lionel Messi and Ian Fray were subject to financial penalties from the MLS for their respective acts of violent conduct involving contact to an opposing player’s head and neck. However, the exact monetary amounts of the fines levied against the two Inter Miami players were not publicly disclosed by the league.
