Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Messi Faces Possible Discipline After Clash With Sullivan
Lionel Messi scored a goal for Inter Miami in a match that ended 2-2.
During the game, he had a heated exchange with Philadelphia Union player Cavan Sullivan.
Video appears to show Messi making contact with Sullivan’s head.
Sullivan became angry, but another player stepped in before the argument became worse.
The MLS Disciplinary Committee will review what happened.
Messi might receive a fine or a one-game suspension.
If suspended, he would miss Inter Miami’s game against Toronto on Saturday.
Messi also dedicated his goal to his late father, Jorge Messi.
The match included another late scuffle in which Sullivan and Yannick Bright were sent off.
Lionel Messi scored in Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw against Philadelphia Union on Wednesday.
Messi appeared to make head contact with Philadelphia youngster Cavan Sullivan during a heated exchange.
The MLS Disciplinary Committee is expected to review the incident.
Possible penalties include a fine or a one-match suspension for Messi.
A suspension would rule Messi out of Inter Miami’s next MLS match against Toronto on Saturday.
- Who
- Lionel Messi, Cavan Sullivan, Inter Miami, Philadelphia Union, and the MLS Disciplinary Committee.
- What
- Messi may face disciplinary action after an on-field confrontation with Sullivan during which he appeared to make contact with Sullivan’s head.
- When
- The incident occurred during Wednesday’s match; a possible suspension would affect Saturday’s game.
- Where
- During the Inter Miami-Philadelphia Union match.
- Why
- The incident is being reviewed to determine whether Messi’s actions warrant a fine or suspension.
- Match result
- Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union drew 2-2.
- Messi’s performance
- Messi scored to give Inter Miami a 2-1 lead.
- Incident under review
- Messi appeared to make contact with Cavan Sullivan’s head during a heated exchange.
- Reviewing body
- The MLS Disciplinary Committee is expected to decide whether punishment is warranted.
- Possible punishment
- Messi could receive a fine or a one-match suspension.
- Potential missed match
- A suspension would keep Messi out of Inter Miami’s next MLS game against Toronto on Saturday.
- Other disciplinary action
- Cavan Sullivan and Inter Miami’s Yannick Bright were sent off after a late scuffle.