Lionel Messi and Fellow MLS Players Fined Following Disciplinary Review of Heated Matches

The Major League Soccer (MLS) Disciplinary Committee has announced an undisclosed fine for Inter Miami superstar forward Lionel Messi after he violated the league's policy regarding hands to the face, head, or neck of an opponent. The incident took place during the 101st minute of Inter Miami's 2-2 draw against the host Philadelphia Union on Wednesday in Chester. In addition to Messi, MLS issued a fine to Inter Miami defender Ian Fray for committing the same violation.

Tempers flared intensely during second-half stoppage time, resulting in red cards for Miami's Yannick Bright and Philadelphia's Cavan Sullivan. However, Sullivan received favorable news on Friday when the Independent Review Panel—comprising representatives from US Soccer, Canada Soccer, and the Professional Referee Organization—unanimously voted to rescind his one-game suspension and accompanying fine for the 102nd-minute incident. Consequently, Sullivan is eligible to take the field for the Union during their upcoming match on Saturday at Austin FC.

MLS clubs are permitted two unsuccessful appeals per season, including the league playoffs, and Philadelphia retains its two unsuccessful appeals for 2026 following the successful challenge regarding Sullivan's red card. Further disciplinary actions from MLS included an undisclosed fine for Toronto FC defender Walker Zimmerman for failing to promptly exit the pitch after receiving a red card in the 56th minute of a 3-3 home draw against Charlotte FC on Wednesday. Additionally, Minnesota United FC defender Anthony Markanich faced a fine for breaching league policy regarding simulation and embellishment during the 71st minute of a 2-1 defeat to Atlanta United on Wednesday.