NEW YORK — Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer after slapping Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan, who is of Bangladeshi descent, during Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw with Philadelphia on Wednesday.
The MLS Disciplinary Committee announced the punishment Friday, saying Messi had violated the league’s policy prohibiting players from making contact with an opponent’s face, head or neck. The amount of the fine was not disclosed.
The incident occurred in the 101st minute of the match at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, during a heated period of second-half stoppage time.
Video of the confrontation showed Messi approaching Sullivan near the center circle as the two exchanged words. Messi then struck Sullivan with an open hand on the back of the head or neck. Sullivan immediately turned toward the Argentine star before referee Filip Dujic moved in to separate them. No card was shown to either player over the incident.
MLS said Messi was fined an undisclosed amount “for violating the league’s policy regarding hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent.”
Inter Miami defender Ian Fray was also fined an undisclosed amount for a separate incident involving Sullivan during the same match. Fray grabbed Sullivan around the head and neck after the Philadelphia player lost his footing while dribbling into the penalty area.
Sullivan has Bangladeshi heritage
Quinn Sullivan, 22, plays as a midfielder for Philadelphia Union. He comes from a football family and has Bangladeshi and German heritage through his mother.
His younger brother Cavan Sullivan also plays for Philadelphia Union and is regarded as one of the most highly rated young players in U.S. soccer. Cavan was shown a red card during the late-game confrontation, but an Independent Review Panel later rescinded both his one-game suspension and accompanying fine.
Quinn’s family also has another direct connection to Bangladesh football. His younger brother Ronan Sullivan has represented Bangladesh at youth international level.
Tempers flare late in 2-2 draw
The match became increasingly heated in stoppage time.
Sullivan became involved in a confrontation with Fray before a larger scuffle broke out in Inter Miami’s penalty area. Cavan Sullivan and Miami midfielder Yannick Bright were both sent off following the altercation.
Messi’s confrontation with Quinn Sullivan occurred shortly afterward.
Despite the disciplinary incident, Messi had played a major role in the match, scoring once and providing an assist as Inter Miami earned a 2-2 draw.
The fine marks another disciplinary action against Messi in MLS. In February 2025, he was also fined following an incident in which he grabbed a New York City FC assistant coach by the back of the neck.
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