MLS fines Lionel Messi and Ian Fray over altercations in Philadelphia draw

Disciplinary rulings in Chester

Major League Soccer announced several disciplinary decisions on Friday following a 2-2 draw between Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi and defender Ian Fray received undisclosed fines from the league for violating safety regulations. The disciplinary committee penalized both players for making physical contact in the head and neck area of opponents during second-half stoppage time. The 39-year-old Messi and his teammates had contested a physical match before multiple altercations took place during extended added time.

for violating the league's policy regarding hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent.

Stoppage-time confrontations

The incident involving Messi developed in the 101st minute of play when the Argentine forward approached Philadelphia attacker Quinn Sullivan in the middle of the pitch. Video footage showed the two exchanging words before Messi struck Sullivan near the back of the neck as he complained about an earlier elbow. Sullivan reacted immediately, leading to a brief standoff before referee Filip Dujic and Miami midfielder Yannick Bright stepped between them. Messi had earlier recorded an assist and scored Miami's second goal of the match, finding the net for the first time since the death of his father, Jorge Messi.

Red cards and the review panel

Tensions escalated further when Quinn Sullivan lost his footing while dribbling into the penalty area and tangled with Fray, who grabbed Sullivan by the neck. Bright intervened in the situation and was met by Quinn's 16-year-old brother, Cavan Sullivan, who took exception to the interaction. Contact occurred between Bright and the teenage midfielder, leading Sullivan to wrestle Bright to the ground before other players intervened. Referee Filip Dujic showed straight red cards to both Bright and Cavan Sullivan in the 102nd minute, leaving both teams with ten players on the pitch.

Suspension rescinded and additional penalties

On Friday, an Independent Review Panel voted unanimously to rescind Cavan Sullivan's one-game suspension and accompanying fine. The panel included one representative from U.S. Soccer, one from Canada Soccer, and an independent representative nominated by the Professional Referee Organization. The ruling clears the 16-year-old Manchester City signee to play for Philadelphia in their Saturday match against Austin FC. The decision preserves Philadelphia's quota of two unsuccessful appeals for the 2026 season, which also apply to the league playoffs.

League context and wider sanctions

The sanction against Messi marks his second fine from MLS since joining the league in 2023, following a February 2025 fine for grabbing New York City FC assistant Medhi Ballouchy by the neck. The disciplinary committee also issued fines for infractions in other Wednesday matches. Toronto FC defender Walker Zimmerman was fined an undisclosed amount for failing to leave the pitch promptly after being sent off in the 56th minute of a 3-3 draw with Charlotte FC. Minnesota United defender Anthony Markanich received a fine for simulation in the 71st minute of a 2-1 defeat against Atlanta United. Following the match in Chester, Inter Miami remains second in the Eastern Conference after 20 matches, while Philadelphia ranks 13th.