Archive · 22 Aug 2026
MLS Fines Messi and Fray After Stoppage-Time Incident
Major League Soccer fined Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammate Ian Fray.
The fines were for breaking a rule about touching an opponent’s face, head, or neck.
The incident happened during a 2-2 game between Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union.
Messi approached Quinn Sullivan near the end of the match and struck the back of his neck.
Referee Filip Dujic did not give Messi or Quinn a card for that exchange.
Later, Yannick Bright and Cavan Sullivan were sent off after another scuffle.
A review panel later removed Cavan Sullivan’s suspension and fine.
The amount of Messi’s fine was not announced.
Lionel Messi and Ian Fray received undisclosed MLS fines for striking an opponent.
The penalties followed Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw with Philadelphia Union.
Messi struck Quinn Sullivan on the back of his neck in the 101st minute.
Yannick Bright and Cavan Sullivan were sent off after a later stoppage-time scuffle.
An independent panel unanimously rescinded Cavan Sullivan’s one-game suspension and fine.
- Who
- Lionel Messi, Ian Fray, Quinn Sullivan, Cavan Sullivan, Yannick Bright, Major League Soccer, and an independent review panel were involved.
- What
- Messi and Fray were fined for violating MLS’s hands-to-face, head, or neck policy, while Cavan Sullivan’s red-card punishment was overturned.
- When
- The incidents occurred during stoppage time on Wednesday; MLS announced the fines on Friday, August 21.
- Where
- The match was played at Philadelphia Union’s home venue.
- Why
- Messi and Fray were punished for striking an opponent, while the review panel determined unanimously that Cavan Sullivan’s punishment should be rescinded.
- Match result
- Inter Miami drew 2-2 with host Philadelphia Union.
- Messi’s incident
- Messi struck Quinn Sullivan on the back of his neck during the 101st minute.
- MLS fines
- Messi and Ian Fray received undisclosed fines.
- Policy involved
- MLS prohibits hands-to-face, head, or neck contact with an opponent.
- Later red cards
- Yannick Bright and Cavan Sullivan were sent off after a stoppage-time scuffle.
- Review decision
- Cavan Sullivan’s one-game suspension and accompanying fine were unanimously rescinded.
- Referee
- Filip Dujic did not show Messi or Quinn Sullivan a card for their exchange.
