Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi and teammate Ian Fray receive undisclosed fines over separate incidents involving Philadelphia Union players in the closing stages of Wednesday’s 2-2 draw.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami defender Ian Fray have been fined undisclosed amounts by Major League Soccer, MLS, for making contact with opponents in the head and neck area during second-half stoppage time in Miami’s 2-2 draw against the Philadelphia Union.
The disciplinary decisions followed a heated finish at Subaru Park, where tensions escalated between players in the closing minutes.
Messi’s incident occurred after the Argentine exchanged words with Philadelphia’s Quinn Sullivan. During the confrontation, Messi slapped Sullivan on the back of the neck, prompting MLS to issue the fine. No suspension was announced for the Inter Miami captain.
The incident came on a notable night for Messi, who scored his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi. He also provided an assist as Inter Miami twice came from behind to secure a point against Philadelphia.
Quinn Sullivan was subsequently involved in another confrontation that resulted in Fray being fined. After losing his footing while dribbling into Miami’s penalty area, Sullivan became tangled with Fray.
The Miami defender then grabbed Sullivan around the neck before the Philadelphia player responded by getting up and tackling him.
Also Read: FIFA impose match ban on Argentine players
The altercation was part of a chaotic stoppage-time period that eventually produced two red cards. Miami midfielder Yannick Bright and Philadelphia’s Cavan Sullivan were both sent off for a separate off-the-ball scuffle.
However, after reviewing the incident, MLS’ Independent Review Panel unanimously overturned Cavan Sullivan’s red card and the accompanying one-game suspension.
The 16-year-old Sullivan is one of Philadelphia’s highly rated young players and has progressed through the club’s academy and professional pathway. MLS lists him as a Philadelphia Union midfielder.
For Inter Miami, the disciplinary decisions come after a 2-2 result that extended an eventful run of matches for the club.
Fray, a Jamaican defender, has made 15 appearances for Miami in the 2026 MLS season, including 13 starts, and has recorded one goal and two assists.
MLS also announced disciplinary action involving Minnesota United defender Anthony Markanich, who was fined for embellishment during his team’s 2-1 defeat to Atlanta United on Wednesday.
The decisions underline the league’s continued use of post-match disciplinary reviews to address incidents that may not result in appropriate punishment during live play.
For Messi and Fray, the fines close the disciplinary cases arising from their separate confrontations, while Cavan Sullivan’s overturned sanction removes the suspension initially attached to his red card.
ESPN
