MLS Fines Lionel Messi After Philadelphia Union Incident

Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer (MLS) following an incident during a 2-2 draw between Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union. The league announced Friday that Messi and teammate Ian Fray were fined for separate incidents involving contact to the head and neck of opponents in second-half stoppage time.

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Messi and teammate Ian Fray were fined for separate incidents involving contact to the head and neck of opponents in second-half stoppage time.

Messi was involved in a verbal exchange with Philadelphia Union player Quinn Sullivan, during which Messi appeared to touch the back of Sullivan's neck. The match was played with high tension. Messi had contributed significantly to Inter Miami's performance, scoring a goal and providing an assist. This goal was particularly emotional for Messi, being his first since his father's passing.

Sullivan was also involved in another incident that led to Fray's fine. After losing balance near the penalty box, Sullivan made contact with Fray, who then appeared to grab Sullivan's neck. The situation escalated with Sullivan tackling Fray, leading to further heated exchanges. The scuffle continued into stoppage time, resulting in two red cards for Inter Miami's Yannick Bright and Cavan Sullivan, Quinn Sullivan's younger brother, for off-ball altercations.

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Messi appeared to touch the back of Sullivan's neck.

However, the MLS later rescinded the red cards and one-game suspensions for Cavan Sullivan. The league's Independent Review Panel unanimously decided to overturn the sanctions. The MLS also fined Minnesota United defender Anthony Markanich for embellishment in a separate match. Despite the fine, Messi's performance in the 2-2 draw, with a goal and an assist, remained a key focus.

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The Independent Review Panel unanimously decided to overturn the sanctions.